S Walter1, C Keinki2, J Hübner3. 1. Bundesverband der Kehlkopfoperierten e. V., Bonn, Deutschland. 2. Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland. 3. Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland. jutta.huebner@med.uni-jena.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A cancer diagnosis is always associated with a threat to life and therefore demands a great deal of the decision maker. For patients, this means making decisions under high emotional stress. On the other hand, medical facts can limit freedom of choice. For interactions with the patient in medical practice, this often means a balancing act between honesty and hope. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to present factors that influence medical decisions in the area of conflict between ethical and moral obligations towards the patient and the daily routine of oncological care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study is a narrative review. RESULTS: There are different decision models and decision principles, all of which are influenced by the physician-patient relationship. In oncology, informing patents with regard to lifetime and quality of life is particularly demanding. Sometimes a balancing act between honesty and hope must be made. CONCLUSION: In every treatment situation but particularly in the palliative situation, open and honest communication is absolutely necessary. It must be ensured that the patient receives all the necessary information, understands it, and includes it in the decision-making process. An emphatic but clear naming of the medical facts allows the patient to maintain his autonomy and dignity.
BACKGROUND: A cancer diagnosis is always associated with a threat to life and therefore demands a great deal of the decision maker. For patients, this means making decisions under high emotional stress. On the other hand, medical facts can limit freedom of choice. For interactions with the patient in medical practice, this often means a balancing act between honesty and hope. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to present factors that influence medical decisions in the area of conflict between ethical and moral obligations towards the patient and the daily routine of oncological care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study is a narrative review. RESULTS: There are different decision models and decision principles, all of which are influenced by the physician-patient relationship. In oncology, informing patents with regard to lifetime and quality of life is particularly demanding. Sometimes a balancing act between honesty and hope must be made. CONCLUSION: In every treatment situation but particularly in the palliative situation, open and honest communication is absolutely necessary. It must be ensured that the patient receives all the necessary information, understands it, and includes it in the decision-making process. An emphatic but clear naming of the medical facts allows the patient to maintain his autonomy and dignity.
Entities:
Keywords:
Communication; Decision making, shared; Head and neck neoplasms; Palliative medicine; Problem solving
Authors: Louise Davies; Lorna A Rhodes; David C Grossman; Marie-Claire Rosenberg; David P Stevens Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2010-12 Impact factor: 3.325
Authors: Michael J Green; Jane R Schubart; Megan M Whitehead; Elana Farace; Erik Lehman; Benjamin H Levi Journal: J Pain Symptom Manage Date: 2014-12-24 Impact factor: 3.612
Authors: Josephine M Clayton; Karen Hancock; Sharon Parker; Phyllis N Butow; Sharon Walder; Sue Carrick; David Currow; Davina Ghersi; Paul Glare; Rebecca Hagerty; Ian N Olver; Martin H N Tattersall Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2008-07 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: F Efficace; G Gaidano; M Sprangers; F Cottone; M Breccia; M T Voso; G Caocci; R Stauder; A A Di Tucci; G Sanpaolo; D Selleslag; E Angelucci; U Platzbecker; F Mandelli Journal: Ann Oncol Date: 2014-02 Impact factor: 32.976
Authors: Linda Brom; H Roeline W Pasman; Guy A M Widdershoven; Maurice J D L van der Vorst; Jaap C Reijneveld; Tjeerd J Postma; Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-06-25 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Linda Brom; Janine C De Snoo-Trimp; Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen; Guy A M Widdershoven; Anne M Stiggelbout; H Roeline W Pasman Journal: Health Expect Date: 2015-12-16 Impact factor: 3.377