Certain scenarios within the medical context exist in which there is no definitive empirical evidence to favor one clinical protocol over another. This is typically the case in the treatment of late stage cancer patients and/or patients that are transitioning into palliative care. It is also the case in illnesses for which there are genetic tests to identify risk and/or available prophylactic options to reduce disease susceptibility. In some disease models, there is not only a lack of unity among the medical community, but even an air of controversy. In a climate of medical uncertainty, health-related decisions must be ethically guided by an individual’s health-related values and goals rather than hard scientific evidence. Providers are often called upon to facilitate this “preference-sensitive” decision process for patients, families, and their support system.

This course will present current findings on medical treatment decision making from a patient perspective. Our review will be guided by relevant medical policy, ethics and theory- and evidence-based data. Common therapeutic themes associated with the preference sensitive decision process will be discussed and the role of the healthcare provider in facilitating this process and the clinical application of decision aids will be presented.

• Identify prominent psychological theories that underlie medical decision making
• Distinguish between effective decisions and preference-sensitive decisions within the medical context
• Recognize common psychological themes that emerge among patients facing preference-sensitive decisions
• Apply findings from the literature regarding the use of decision aids to facilitate preference-sensitive decisions within a climate of medical uncertainty