Abstract:
This study examined the factors affecting treatment
decision making for young women with early stage breast
cancer. Thirty women, aged 35 to 52 years, were presented
information about two equally effective chemotherapy
treatments following surgery for breast cancer using an
educational instrument called a "decision board." Although
equally effective, the treatments differ with regards to
side effects and treatment schedule. The purpose of this
research was to investigate what factors affect the
decision-making process. Following administration of the
decision board, women were given a take-home version to
review and asked to return one to two weeks later with a
decision, at which time they completed a questionnaire.
theoretical framework for this study was constructed from
the literature on self-directed learning and critical
thinking.
The
Overall, the factors rated most important to the
treatment decision were related to quality of life, side
effects, and length of treatment. Five factors were found
to be rated significantly different by the women who chose
one treatment versus the other in terms of importance to
their decision. These were side effects in general,
vomiting, hair loss, family role, and the number of trips to
the cancer centre required for treatment.Implications and recommendations for patient education,
research, and practice evolved from the findings of this
study.
