ASSESSING PATIENTS NEEDS AND PREFERENCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ADVANCED COLORECTAL-CANCER

Clinical decision-making in advanced cancer is a highly complex proces s. Many factors are thought to influence this process arguably the mos t important of these is the patient's own preference. Studies show tha t most patients want to be fully informed as to their diagnosis and in volved in clinical decision-making. However, the attitudes of healthca re workers often preclude patient involvement. Studies have also shown that acceptability of chemotherapy for minimal therapeutic gain diffe rs markedly between patients depending on factors such as age, gender and family status. It is clearly impossible to make decisions about wh at is best for patients without involving them in the decision-making process, Indeed, it could be argued that active patient participation actually simplifies this process.