Immunotherapy Decision-Making Experiences of Patients With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

The immunotherapy decision-making experiences of patients with cancer and their family caregivers in Taiwan were explored in this study. The generally low level of medical expertise identified among the participants emphasizes the importance of fostering a shared approach to immunotherapy decision-making. Also, oncology nurses should prioritize the inherent worth of patients and the emotions of their family caregivers to bolster their confidence and sense of self-worth. Notably, experiencing severe side effects with previous treatments was found to be a strong predictor of immunotherapy choice, highlighting the critical importance of regular assessment of patients' immunotherapy experiences in clinical practice. Also, financial concerns were confirmed as an important factor affecting patient-centered care. Thus, when needed, additional financial support should be provided.