As a unit staff nurse, have you ever thought, “I wish they would’ve asked my opinion before making that change in practice?” Many times throughout my career I’ve thought just that, but I’d never been in a position where I could share my opinions. However, getting involved in a shared decision making (SDM) structure opened up new opportunities for me. 

Making a treatment decision for a cancer diagnosis is a very complex and challenging event for patients. This is particularly evident among men with prostate cancer. Because so many treatment options exist, often without a single best therapeutic or medical outcome, many men with prostate cancer may have challenges when making a treatment decision. Most patients rely on their providers to help them better understand their diagnosis, available treatments, impact, and side effects from treatment, but patients will ultimately seek external information to inform their decision-making process.

As people age, their risk for cancer increases, and so too does the complexity of their cancer care. Older patients with cancer typically present with age-related conditions like comorbidities, functional problems, falling, and polypharmacy, which are not as widely discussed in the oncology space as they should be. Age-
related concerns can influence outcomes for patients with cancer and their caregivers, including treatment toxicity, hospitalization, and even early mortality. 

“Two heads are better than one” is an idiom so old and often used that it borders on cliché. But as with most colloquial sayings, a kernel of truth is buried underneath. Combining forces to solve problems, overcome obstacles, and coordinate efforts is the key to nearly every successful endeavor, and it’s especially true for patients and providers navigating the cancer journey. 

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) will host a second Director’s Lecture on Thursday, May 5, highlighting one of the nation’s top nurse researcher. Held at the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Lipsett Amphitheater, ONS member Marie Nolan, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN will present “Reframing Shared Decision Making at the End of Life.”

At the onset, patients diagnosed with cancer can feel a loss of control. Research has shown that when patients and providers participate in shared decision making (SDM), both parties find greater satisfaction in the overall decision and adherence to the treatment plan improves.

Coverage by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has recently made computed tomography (CT) lung screening access possible for many at high risk for lung cancer. Part of the National Coverage Determination requires that patients engage in a shared decision making (SDM) session with their healthcare providers before entering a CT screening program.

Patients who use shared decision making are more often satisfied with their outcomes, even when met with unexpected or unfavorable side effects. Oncology nurses at any practice level can actively participate in the shared decision making process; if you haven’t been involved in shared decision making before, here’s what you need to know to get started.