“Often Relatives are the Key […]” –Family Involvement in Treatment Decision Making in Patients with Advanced Cancer Near the End of Life

Abstract

This study focused on oncologists' and oncology nurses' perceptions of family involvement in decision making about treatment limitation in patients with advanced cancer who are able to communicate in a hospital setting. Oncologists and oncology nurses should be aware of both positive aspects and challenges of family involvement. Positive aspects are patients' emotional support and support in understanding and managing the information regarding treatment decisions. Challenges are diverging family preferences with regard to treatment goals that might become a barrier to advanced care planning, a possible increased psychological burden for the family. Especially challenging is involving the family of a young patient because increased attention, more time investment, and detailed discussions are needed.