Treatment Decision-Making Involvement in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

Oncol Nurs Forum. 2019 Jan 13;46(1):E22-E37. doi: 10.1188/19.ONF.E22-E37.

Abstract

Problem identification: Involvement in treatment decision making (TDM) is considered a key element of patient- and family-centered care and positively affects outcomes. However, for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, little is known about the current state of knowledge about their perspective on and involvement in TDM or the factors influencing AYAs' TDM involvement.

Literature search: Integrative review focused on AYAs aged 15-21 years, their involvement in TDM, and factors influencing their involvement using the MEDLINE®, PsycINFO®, CINAHL®, and Web of Science databases.

Data evaluation: 4,047 articles were identified; 21 met inclusion criteria.

Synthesis: Five factors were identified.

Implications for research: Research is needed to understand AYAs' preferences for TDM, the type and degree of their involvement, and the interactions between factors that contribute to or impede TDM.

Keywords: adolescent and young adult; decision making; patient participation; pediatric oncology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Decision Making*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Patient Participation / psychology*
  • Young Adult