Preferences of colorectal cancer patients for treatment and decision-making: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Treatment decisions in life-threatening diseases, like colorectal cancer (CRC), are crucial, since they have a great impact on patient's survival and health-related quality of life. Thereby, the inclusion of patient's preferences becomes more and more important; however, these first need to be identified. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review in 12 electronic databases, published between 2000 and 2012, in order to identify patient's preferences concerning treatment preferences and involvement in the decision-making process. Nineteen studies were included and thoroughly analysed. This review shows that CRC patients do have preferences regarding different treatment options and outcomes; however, these preferences are not homogenous and seem to depend on personal factors like age and gender. Despite the existence of these preferences, the majority of patients prefer a passive role in the decision-making process, which in part may be explained by the severity of the disease. Again, subgroup analyses reveal the impact of personal factors like gender and education on the preference. Due to the importance of personal factors in the analysis of patient preferences, we identified an urgent need for larger studies that are suitable for subgroup analyses and incorporate multi-attributive measurement techniques, like discrete choice methods.

Do patients with gastrointestinal cancer want to decide where they have tests and surgery? A questionnaire study of provider choice

“…With this in mind, the present results are similar to those reported in a recent review of decision-making preferences across a broad range of patient groups 17. However, a colorectal cancer-specific review reported that the majority of patients preferred a passive role in decision making, based on studies published between 2003 and 2008 15. Preferences of patients with GI cancer may have shifted over time.…”

“…Previous research examining choice among patients with cancer has typically focused on treatments,15 rather than providers. Patients with cancer have largely been excluded from studies investigating provider choice.…”

Preferences of lung cancer patients for treatment and decision-making: a systematic literature review

“…These steps are undertaken in parallel to the publication for preferences of colorectal cancer patients by Damm et al . ().…”

Methods to perform systematic reviews of patient preferences: a literature survey

“…2014Blanchard [13]2016Assessing head & neck cancer patient preferences & expectations: asystematic review“We conducted a systematic review of the current evidence regarding the preferences & priorities of patients with head & neck cancer.”Sept. 2016Blinman [14]2010Patients’ preferences for chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review“To find, evaluate & summarise studies quantifying the survival benefits that cancer patients judged sufficient to make chemotherapy for NSCLC worthwhile.”2009Bradley [15]2007Review of patterns of practice & patients’ preferences in the treatment of bone metastases with palliative radiotherapy“To review the patterns of practice among radiation oncologists & patients’ preferences in the treatment of bone metastases with palliative radiotherapy.”June 2006Brooker [16]2013Quantitative patient preference evidence for health technology assessment: a case study“To explore the feasibility & desirability of incorporatingpatient preferences within the health technology assessment process by working through a case study.” [COPD]March 2011Currie [17]2014A systematic review of patient preference elicitation methods in the treatment of colorectal cancer“To assess the use of patient preference in colorectal cancer treatment.”March 2014Damm [18]2014Preferences of colorectal cancer patients for treatment & decision-making: a systematic literature review“To identify the preferences of CRC patients with regard to treatment preferences & involvement in the decision-making process regarding treatment choices.”Sept. 2012Eek [19]2016Patient-reported preferences for oral vs. intravenous administration for thetreatment of cancer: a review of the literature“To evaluate the administration preferences of cancer patients, specifically between oral & intravenous treatment, as well as the factors contributing to preference.”Jan.…”