Information behaviour and decision-making in patients during their cancer journey

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of cancer patients’ information behaviour on their decision-making at the diagnosis and treatment stages of their cancer journey. Patients’ information sources and their decision-making approaches were analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants.

Findings

The cancer patients sought information from various sources in choosing a hospital, physician, treatment method, diet and alternative therapy. Physicians were the primary information source. The patients’ approaches to treatment decision-making were diverse. An informed approach was adopted by nine patients, a paternalistic approach by four and a shared decision-making approach by only two.

Practical implications

In practice, the findings may assist hospitals and medical professionals in fostering pertinent interactions with patients.

Originality/value

The findings can enhance researcher understanding regarding the effect of cancer patients’ information behaviour on their decision-making.

Citation

Chen, S.-C. (2017), "Information behaviour and decision-making in patients during their cancer journey", The Electronic Library, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 494-506. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-03-2016-0062