The Influence of Patient and Provider Religious and Spiritual Beliefs on Treatment Decision Making in the Cancer Care Context

Elizabeth Palmer Kelly, Brian Myers, Brent Henderson, Petra Sprik, Kelsey B. White and Timothy M. Pawlik
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Elizabeth Palmer Kelly: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
Brian Myers: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
Brent Henderson: Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, USA
Petra Sprik: Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC, USA
Kelsey B. White: Department of Health Management & System Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
Timothy M. Pawlik: Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA

Medical Decision Making, 2022, vol. 42, issue 1, 125-134

Abstract: Background Providers often underestimate the influence of patient religious and spiritual (R&S) needs. The current study sought to determine the influence of R&S beliefs on treatment decision making among patients and providers in the context of cancer care. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature using web-based search engines and discipline-specific databases. Search terms included a combination of the following Medical Subject Headings and key terms: “cancer,†“spirituality,†“religion,†and “decision making.†We used Covidence to screen relevant studies and extracted data into Microsoft Excel. Results Among 311 screened studies, 32 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Most studies evaluated the patient perspective ( n = 29), while 2 studies evaluated the provider perspective and 1 study examined both. In assessing patient R&S relative to treatment decision making, we thematically characterized articles according to decision-making contexts, including general ( n = 11), end-of-life/advance care planning ( n = 13), and other: specific ( n = 8). Specific contexts included, but were not limited to, clinical trial participation ( n = 2) and use of complementary and alternative medicine ( n = 4). Within end-of-life/advance care planning, there was a discrepancy regarding how R&S influenced treatment decision making. The influence of R&S on general treatment decision making was both active and passive, with some patients wanting more direct integration of their R&S beliefs in treatment decision making. In contrast, other patients were less aware of indirect R&S influences. Patient perception of the impact of R&S on treatment decision making varied relative to race/ethnicity, being more pronounced among Black patients. Conclusion Most articles focused on R&S relative to treatment decision making at the end of life, even though R&S appeared important across the care continuum. To improve patient-centered cancer care, providers need to be more aware of the impact of R&S on treatment decision making.

Keywords: religion and spirituality; treatment decision making; cancer; patient-centered care; review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:medema:v:42:y:2022:i:1:p:125-134

DOI: 10.1177/0272989X211022246

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