273 Strategies for treatment decision-making among esophagogastric cancer patients with limited health literacy: findings from a qualitative study
Year: 2024
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Introduction Patients with limited health literacy and/or numeracy (HL) can face challenges in utilizing key numerical risk and benefit information throughout their decision-making process. Previous research has focused on understanding this numerical information but has often not examined different aspects involved in decision-making strategies. We investigated the strategies used by patients with limited HL in treatment decision-making for esophagogastric cancer, while taking into account their use of numerical outcome-information. Methods Patients with limited HL were recruited in six Dutch hospitals. We interviewed patients (n=10 thus far) during their decision-making process. Consultations about treatment options (n=10 thus far) were audio-recorded and used to enhance interpretation of interview data. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results The analyses revealed three preliminary categories. (1) Use of medical information: Patients tended to avoid (additional) medical information, opting for less rather than more information and focusing on positive information. During consultations, patients seemed overwhelmed by information and confused by ambiguous terminology used by clinicians; (2) Choosing treatment options: Patients expressed a lack of perceived choice, emphasizing that the selected treatment was their only option. In the interviews, they remembered some numerical outcome-information about chosen treatment, but less about alternatives discussed; (3) Social/cultural influences: Most patients reported limited social support. Cultural and religious beliefs seemed to influence decision-making, as some patients emphasized their trust in advice from their relatives or in God. Discussion Our initial findings suggest that patients with limited HL were overwhelmed and averse to excessive and negative information, in a larger extent than found in previous research for patients without limited HL. This may result more frequently in suboptimal decision-making strategies for patients with limited HL. Conclusion Preliminary findings highlight the need to develop novel communication strategies and help patients with limited HL navigating the complex landscape of available treatment modalities.
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4400453262