The Family's Role in Medical Decision-making from the Point of View of a Physician in the United States

Abstract

This research looked at how, under different medical circumstances from Japan, physicians in the U.S. think about the role of family in medical decision-making in case of cancer disclosure. Interviews were used to gain subjective data from physicians about the role of the family in medical decision making. The questions focused on the participants' views by asking open-end questions. The research was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Minnesota. From interviews with seven physicians in the U.S. the author observed that a good relationship between physician and patient including the family was established by Informed consent. By giving priority to the patient's wishes and interests over the family's in informing patients of cancer diagnosis, physicians have expected family members to be involved in medical decision making as primary caregivers. By valuing the process of informed consent, physicians have spent a lot of time in talking with patients and family members in the process of medical treatment.