Abstract
PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effect of cancer patients’ information behaviour on their decision-making at the diagnosis and treatment stages of their cancer journey. Patients’ information sources and their decision-making approaches were analyzed.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants.FindingsThe cancer patients sought information from various sources in choosing a hospital, physician, treatment method, diet and alternative therapy. Physicians were the primary information source. The patients’ approaches to treatment decision-making were diverse. An informed approach was adopted by nine patients, a paternalistic approach by four and a shared decision-making approach by only two.Practical implicationsIn practice, the findings may assist hospitals and medical professionals in fostering pertinent interactions with patients.Originality/valueThe findings can enhance researcher understanding regarding the effect of cancer patients’ information behaviour on their decision-making.
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