J Korean Gerontol Nurs.  2021 Nov;23(4):418-430. 10.17079/jkgn.2021.23.4.418.

Decision-Making Experience of Older Patients with Cancer in Choosing Treatment: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis Study

• Kim EY
• Hong SJ

• KMID: 2540578
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17079/jkgn.2021.23.4.418

Abstract

Purpose
This study was conducted to analyze and synthesize the findings of qualitative studies related to the decision-making experience of older patients with cancer in choosing treatment.
Methods
We used the seven steps of Noblit and Hare’s meta-ethnography to analyze and synthesize selected qualitative studies. Seven databases were used to search the literature that explored the decision-making experiences of older patients with cancer in choosing treatment: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Research Informations Sharing Service (RISS), Koreastudies Information Service System (KISS), and National Assembly Library.
Results
The final 11 studies were included in the analysis. Three themes emerged as result of synthesizing: “Checking the feasibility of treatment in one’s own life”, “The constant weighing up the gains and losses of treatment”, and “Having meanings to life”.
Conclusion
This study provides an in-depth understanding of treatment decision-making experiences of older patients with cancer and highlights the complex factors that influence their treatment decision-making process. This may contribute to the development of interventions that help older patients with cancer choose treatment during the decision-making process.

Keyword

노인; 암; 의사결정; 질적연구; 체계적 문헌고찰; Aged; Neoplasms; Decision making; Qualitative research; Systematic review