Effective communication and provision of information to cancer patients and their families about their disease, treatment options, and possible outcomes improve psychosocial outcomes [7,8]. Recognition of the importance of effective communication has been driven by increased consumer activism, as well as legal imperatives to ensure patients are well informed of their treatment options and are able to exercise control over their role in making decisions regarding their care [9]. In order to make an informed decision, for example, a patient must be provided with clear and sufficient information about the risks and benefits of available treatment options [10]. Failing to fully inform patients about their condition, treatment options, and potential consequences, as well as misrepresenting information, can lead to legal challenges and medical litigation [11]. This has led to a shift from paternalistic approaches to information provision and disclosure within the health care system to a model that emphasizes autonomy and patient-centered care [12], which are reflected in changes to legislation, bioethical guidelines, and accepted principles within the medical profession [12-15].
Originally Published in JMIR
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