Preferences for involvement in treatment decision making of patients with cancer: a review of the literature

A systematic review of the literature about patients’ preferences for involvement in cancer treatment decision making was conducted. Establishing preferences is important if the aim is to make health care more sensitive to the needs and expectations of each individual patient. Thirty-one papers were included in the review. Generalising from this literature is problematic because of limitations related to sample size, sample composition and methods used to assess preferences. Whilst we take cognizance of these limitations, research suggests that preferences vary considerably and that whilst most patients prefer a collaborative role, a significant minority prefer a passive or active role.