Desired and perceived participation in medical decision-making in patients with haemato-oncological diseases.

It is becoming more and more common for patients to take an active role when medical decisions have to be made. There are only few results here concerning possibilities and patient preferences for haematological illnesses. This study has interviewed 117 patients with haemato-oncological illnesses at two assessment dates. The desired and the (in the follow up) perceived role in the medical decision-making process were documented. The majority (60.2%) desired more a passive role, which is a considerably higher portion than with solid cancer cases. Roughly every second person interviewed (55.7%) was included - mostly passively - in decisions in accordance with his preferences. The results and limits of the study are also discussed. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.