<p>Qualitative Study of Factors Affecting Patient, Caregiver and Physician Preferences for Treatment of Myeloma and Indolent Lymphoma</p>

Abstract

Introduction: The number of treatment options for myeloma and indolent lymphoma are expanding at an exponential rate, with few direct head-to-head comparisons on which to base efficacy measures. We sought to understand how patients, their caregivers and physicians weigh treatment characteristics in order to come to a decision on which treatment option to pursue. Methods: Patients, their caregivers and physicians were recruited and interviewed until data saturation was reached. A qualitative, thematic analysis was done to identify themes important to each stakeholder. Results: We found that, while all three groups valued efficacy the most, the consideration of other secondary characteristics of the treatment, such as cost, toxicity and logistical issues all differed subtly between the different groups. Patients valued minimising cost and toxicity, even at small trade-offs in efficacy. Caregivers and physicians valued efficacy foremost. Conclusion: Acknowledging and managing these differences is paramount because they influence shared decision-making and may affect patient outcomes in the short term, as well as their more general well-being in the long term.

Differences in Lung Cancer Treatment Preferences Among Oncologists, Patients and Family Members: A Semi-Structured Qualitative Study in China

“… 21–23 This is shared by family members who hope their loved ones could live longer. 24 , 25 Chinese culture is deeply shaped by Confucian philosophy in which family is the core element of society. Caring for elderly parents is a key definition in Chinese filial piety.…”

Multiple Myeloma in People of Working Age: A Systematic Review and Evidence Synthesis of Experiences of Paid and Unpaid Work

“…Performance and presence at work was therefore moderated by symptom burden and treatment schedules [39-41, 45, 47, 49, 50]. Carers also experienced side efects of myeloma for example in exhaustion leading to poorer concentration which impacted work, and in taking time of to support the patient with their treatment side efects [51] and hospital appointments [52].…”

“…Employers providing health insurance were able to exert power and infuence over health, which can both reassure (fnancial peace of mind) and cause stress (being unable to change employer for loss of benefts) [58,71]. Financial impact is also a concern for people reducing their hours or exiting paid employment [49] including relatives providing informal care [52].…”

Factors Affecting Patient and Caregiver Preferences for Treatment of Myeloma and Indolent Lymphoma

“…The attributes in this study were determined in a previous qualitative study by the last author. 12 In that study, patients, caregivers, and physicians were interviewed by trained staff to identify factors that contributed to treatment plan decisions. Interviews stopped when data saturation was reached.…”