Decision making by elderly patients with cancer and their caregivers.

This study explored the scope of decisions encountered by elderly cancer patients and/or their family caregivers, and the types of decision-making assistance requested and required within one practice setting. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five cancer center nurse coordinators (CCNCs). The CCNCs were interviewed weekly for 16 weeks to identify decision-making topics addressed, assistance requested, and perceptions of assistance required during telephone conversations. The CCNCs' reports of 41 telephone conversations revealed 44 specific decision-making topics. Content analysis uncovered 11 categories: symptom management, use of chemotherapy, ancillary choices selection of a medical provider, planning for end-of-life care, alternative therapy, vacation planning, weekend-pass planning, discharge planning, family survivor issues, and involvement of adult children in the elder's care. Elderly patients and/or their family caregivers requested information and assistance with making decisions. CCNCs perceived that callers also needed information clarification, reassurance about their decisions, a listener, permission to change the treatment regimen, and help with communication among health professionals, the elderly patient, and the family.