Key Takeaways
- Most patients and caregivers prefer detailed information about the disease, underscoring the importance of clear, comprehensive discussions
- While some patients prefer shared decision-making, others lean toward physician-led choices
- Only about half of patients and caregivers align in their perceptions of decision-making roles, emphasizing the need for proactive alignment strategies
As community oncology practices continue to serve a growing population of older adults with incurable cancer, understanding their decision-making dynamics is essential to providing compassionate, personalized care. A recent study involving 332 patient–caregiver dyads sheds new light on how preferences around decision-making and information sharing can impact clinical interactions.
The study, which focused on patients aged ≥70 years, revealed a spectrum of preferences regarding treatment decisions. While many pairs gravitated toward shared decision-making, others preferred leaving choices to the physician. Interestingly, concordance in patient–caregiver perceptions was relatively low (46% for the patient’s role and 54% for the caregiver’s role) highlighting potential misalignment that clinicians can address to improve care outcomes.
One clear takeaway was the overwhelming preference for detailed information about the patient’s illness. Patients and caregivers expressed a desire for comprehensive explanations, suggesting that oncology teams should prioritize transparent, in-depth communication during consultations. Providing clarity not only empowers patients but can also bolster caregiver confidence, fostering stronger partnerships in care.
What’s more, the study found that baseline factors such as demographics and functional impairments were not significantly associated with concordance between patients and caregivers. This suggests that aligning expectations and preferences may depend more on active communication strategies than on fixed patient or caregiver characteristics.
For oncology teams, this research underscores the importance of assessing both informational and decisional control preferences early in the care process. Tools like the Control Preferences Scale (CPS; Degner, Sloan, & Venkatesh, 1997) can provide valuable insights into how patients and caregivers envision their roles in decision-making. By actively involving caregivers in discussions and addressing potential mismatches in expectations, clinicians can create a more cohesive and supportive care environment.
In practice, community oncology staff can integrate these findings by asking direct questions about decision-making preferences during initial visits and revisiting these conversations periodically as treatment progresses. Additionally, offering educational materials tailored to varying levels of informational detail can ensure that both patients and caregivers feel adequately informed and engaged.
Ultimately, this study serves as a reminder that personalized care goes beyond treatment plans—it’s about understanding the human dynamics that shape decision-making and support systems. By tailoring communication and fostering alignment, oncology practices can empower patients and caregivers to navigate the complexities of cancer care with greater confidence.
Hryniv S, Gilbride E, Consagra W, et al. Exploring decisional control preferences in older patients with cancer and their caregivers. J Geriatr Oncol. 2026;17:102832.
