The decision making process of cancer therapy based on Javanese patients perspective

<p>Alfi Kurnia Adha, Itsna Luthfi Kholisa and Sri Setiyarini</p>

The decision making process of cancer therapy based on Javanese patients perspective

Alfi Kurnia Adha, Itsna Luthfi Kholisa and Sri Setiyarini

Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

Shared decision making has been recommended by WHO internationally. This is important in order to produce good outcomes of bio-psycho-socio-spiritual for the patient. However, Javanese known that still retains the cultural values that may affect the patient in the decision making process. To determine the flow of the decision process in Javanese patients, the type of decisions that are formed and the factors that influences it. This research was a descriptive qualitative. The sample in this study consisted of 8 patients, two families and one doctor obtained through purposive sampling. Data obtained from the results of in-depth interviews to patients, families and doctor, while the data processed using content analysis. The study produced six themes which forming grooves of decision-making process as follows: (1) The symptoms of disease, (2) initial response to sickness, (3) the provision of general information by medical personnel, (4) offer therapeutic options to patients, (5) the process of weighing the choice of therapy and (6) decision making. The types of decision making were paternalistic, informed and shared. Factors that influenced the decision-making process are: (1) The financial support, (2) motivation to recover, (3) the support of family and loved ones, as well as (4) sense of trust to hospital services. Cultural factors influence the patient in the decision making process as it involves family before making a decision and obedient attitude and acceptance.