1. Shared decision-making in medical encounters regarding breast cancer treatment: the contribution of methodological triangulation
- Author
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N. Moumjid-Ferdjaoui, Hervé Mignotte, Christine Durif-Bruckert, Magali Morelle, Christelle Faure, and Pauline Roux
- Subjects
Protocol (science) ,Medical education ,Social psychology (sociology) ,Health economics ,Data collection ,Oncology ,business.industry ,Perspective (graphical) ,Medicine ,Normative ,Context (language use) ,Triangulation ,business - Abstract
The aim of this study on shared decision-making in the doctor–patient encounter about surgical treatment for early-stage breast cancer, conducted in a regional cancer centre in France, was to further the understanding of patient perceptions on shared decision-making. The study used methodological triangulation to collect data (both quantitative and qualitative) about patient preferences in the context of a clinical consultation in which surgeons followed a shared decision-making protocol. Data were analysed from a multi-disciplinary research perspective (social psychology and health economics). The triangulated data collection methods were questionnaires (n = 132), longitudinal interviews (n = 47) and observations of consultations (n = 26). Methodological triangulation revealed levels of divergence and complementarity between qualitative and quantitative results that suggest new perspectives on the three inter-related notions of decision-making, participation and information. Patients' responses revealed important differences between shared decision-making and participation per se. The authors note that subjecting patients to a normative behavioural model of shared decision-making in an era when paradigms of medical authority are shifting may undermine the patient's quest for what he or she believes is a more important right: a guarantee of the best care available.
- Published
- 2014