Shared decision-making in clinical cancer guidelines

Abstract

Shared decision-making is a collaborative process that includes patient preferences in the care planning process. This study aimed to analyze how the shared decision-making is considered in the cancer guidelines of the Brazilian Unified Health System through a research of documents about patients’ participation on the databases of the National Cancer Institute and National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies. We analyzed 29 documents, and 10 of them presented an approach for shared decision-making or ideas related to the topic. These documents addressed the possibility of screening some types of cancer and established criteria for interrupting the treatment. The results show the great challenges that still exist to promote autonomy, and to respect individual values and partnership in clinical settings.