Breast cancer patient participation in surgical treatment decision making: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the current situation of participation of Chinese breast cancer patients in surgical treatment decision-making, in particular the preferred and actual roles of the participants, and the degree of consistency between the two. The objective of the study is to provide a reference basis for helping patients make appropriate surgical decisions in the future. MethodsA total of 279 breast cancer inpatients from the Tianjin Medical University's Cancer Hospital in China, from October to December 2020. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics was collected via a questionnaire and Control Preference Scale (CPS). Descriptive statistics, an independent samples T-test or one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were then applied to the results. ResultsThe analysis of 279 valid questionnaires received showed that, during the surgical treatment decision-making process, the congruence rate of patients who preferred family participation and the families’ actual participation was 87%; the congruence rate of patients’ selected participation style and patients’ authentic participation style was 40.8%; age, marital status, living environment, education level, and medical burden significantly affected patients’ decision-making participation style (P < 0.05). ConclusionsFamily members are essential to the preoperative decision-making process of breast cancer patients. Patients’ willingness to participate in decision-making should be respected, and the consistency between actual and expected patient participation should be improved.