Building patient-centered care through values assessment integration with advance care planning

Abstract

Oncologists frequently have to make diagnoses that portend bad outcomes and difficulties in management, among them, for stage IV lung or pancreatic cancer. Many recent studies have shown the importance of appropriate implementation of palliative care and the need for discussing with the patient the goals of treatment early in diagnosis. This process has its challenges. One way to view and meet these challenges is through assessing a patient’s personal values regarding his or her life and care. Clinicians (oncologists and midlevel providers) can support a culture of patient and practitioner shared decision making, ensuring that patients with life-limiting illnesses are aware of their choices for end-of-life (EOL) care. Through “values-based” conversations, the clinicians gain perspective of the patients’ needs. This can lead to more formal conversations about EOL care and the completion of advance directive documents.