DECISION-MAKING BY ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CANCER AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

This study explored the scope of decisions encountered by elderly canc er 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 26 weeks to identify decision-making topics addressed, assistance requested, an d perceptions of assistance required during telephone conversations. T he CCNCs' reports of 41 telephone conversations revealed 44 specific d ecision-making topics. Content analysis uncovered II categories: sympt om management, use of chemotherapy, ancillary choices selection of a m edical provider, planning for end-of-life care, alternative therapy, v acation planning, weekend-pass planning discharge planning, family sur vivor issues, and involvement of adult children in the elder's care. E lderly patients and/or their family caregivers requested information a nd 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.