M E O'Rourke1. 1. Department of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, PO Box 26172, Greensboro, NC 27402-26172, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To review the issues surrounding decision making regarding prostate cancer treatment. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, abstracts, and selected findings from one prospective grounded theory research study. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors are involved in the selection of prostate cancer treatment, such as individual disease-specific data, age, personal values, vicarious and personal cancer experiences, and the physician-patient relationship. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Accurate information regarding each treatment option delivered by experts in their respective fields is necessary for informed decision making. A more multidisciplinary approach regarding discussion of treatment options is needed. Nurses play a pivotal role in facilitating discussion among family members and assisting patients to make a decision that balances their personal values with accurate information regarding treatment outcomes.
OBJECTIVES: To review the issues surrounding decision making regarding prostate cancer treatment. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, abstracts, and selected findings from one prospective grounded theory research study. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors are involved in the selection of prostate cancer treatment, such as individual disease-specific data, age, personal values, vicarious and personal cancer experiences, and the physician-patient relationship. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Accurate information regarding each treatment option delivered by experts in their respective fields is necessary for informed decision making. A more multidisciplinary approach regarding discussion of treatment options is needed. Nurses play a pivotal role in facilitating discussion among family members and assisting patients to make a decision that balances their personal values with accurate information regarding treatment outcomes.