Quality Management 2017

The new role of the patient in MDMs «No decision about me without me»

Involving patients in decisions about their treatment is central to UK health policy and embedded in the National Health Service (NHS) Constitution, with the current government using the phrase “No decision about me without me” to describe their aspiration for the NHS. This study aim : - To explore what current cancer patients know, and need to know, about the MDMs involved in their care to ensure effective involvement in decision-making. - To examine cancer MDM members’ views on how best to ensure that patients are involved in decision-making - To gain patient and MDM members views on how to overcome any barriers identified and improve current practice. Design and sample Semi-structured interviews were conducted with current upper gastrointestinal and gynaecological cancer patients from one cancer centre and with MDM members