A recent systematic review was conducted to evaluate how decision-making interventions for advanced cancer treatment consultations function and their effectiveness in increasing perceptions of shared decision-making (SDM) behaviors. The review included studies where participants faced active treatment decisions for stage 4 or otherwise incurable cancer. Descriptions of interventions were coded using Behavior Change Techniques to understand their functioning. The analysis included a narrative synthesis comparing the effect of these interventions on perceptions of SDM behaviors to usual care.

The review included four studies, identifying intervention functions such as education, training, modeling, and enablement. Notably, oncologist SDM training, alone or combined with a patient communication aid, showed a significant positive effect on SDM behaviors in advanced cancer consultations. The findings suggest that healthcare professional SDM training, incorporating modeling and enablement functions, can effectively enhance clinicians’ motivation, capability, and opportunity to facilitate SDM.

Reference: Punnett G, Eastwood C, Green L, Yorke J. A systematic review of the effectiveness of decision making interventions on increasing perceptions of shared decision making occurring in advanced cancer consultations. Patient Educ Couns. 2024;123:108235. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108235.