Patient education and shared decision-making

This chapter briefly discusses the current recommended approaches to patient education and shared decision-making in clinical settings for patients with cancer, which can be used to address their needs as they make decisions about immunotherapy. The informational needs of patients with induced rheumatic diseases and syndromes due to cancer immunotherapy vary according to the type and stage of cancer, type of immunotherapy used, induced rheumatic disease (or presence of preexisting autoimmune disease), and the individuala€'s characteristics (e.g., age-specific, cultural competencies, health literacy, and preferences). The strategies that can be addressed by rheumatologists to improve patient education are delineated and include assessing health literacy and cultural values, involving patients in the decision-making process, using all forms of health communication, addressing misinformation, and initiating discussions regarding cancer care plans.