Exploring the Important Determinants Shaping Treatment Preferences: Qualitative Insights into Breast Cancer Patient Experiences and Perspectives in New Zealand

Hui Yee Yeo; Jacqueline Hui Yi Wong; Suz Jack Chan; Anna Tiatia Fa'atoese Latu; Catherine H Han; Mudassir Anwar; Carlo A Marra

doi:10.2147/PPA.S443217

Exploring the Important Determinants Shaping Treatment Preferences: Qualitative Insights into Breast Cancer Patient Experiences and Perspectives in New Zealand

Patient Prefer Adherence. 2023 Dec 22:17:3525-3537. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S443217. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Hui Yee Yeo^{1

2}, Jacqueline Hui Yi Wong³, Suz Jack Chan¹, Anna Tiatia Fa'atoese Latu¹, Catherine H Han^{4

5}, Mudassir Anwar¹, Carlo A Marra¹

Affiliations

¹ School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
² Clinical Research Center, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Seberang Jaya, Penang, Malaysia.
³ Pharmacy Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
⁴ Auckland Oncology, Auckland, New Zealand.
⁵ Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Abstract

Purpose: Despite the importance of acknowledging patient preferences in treatment decision-making, little is known about the treatment preferences and the factors underlying those preferences of breast cancer patients. This study aims explore patient experience and perspective regarding treatment preferences and identify the important determinants that shape these preferences in the context of New Zealand.

Patients and methods: Semi-structured online interviews comprised of six focus group discussions and five individual interviews were performed with 26 breast cancer patients. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Results: Four main themes were derived: (1) positive treatment outcomes; (2) the negative impact of treatment-related side effects on quality of life; (3) treatment accessibility, availability, and timeliness; (4) cost of treatment. Patients revealed a strong preference towards treatments that yield longer survival, achieve remission, and prevent cancer recurrence. Additionally, patients favored treatments with minimal side effects that had minimal impact on their quality of life. There was a notable preference for treatments that were easily accessible and available in a timely manner. However, patients faced challenging decisions in balancing the costs of treatments with their benefits, leading to a consistent preference for treatments supported by government funding or medical insurance to alleviate financial burdens.

Conclusion: Our study reveals that breast cancer patients in New Zealand have different perceptions and preferences regarding cancer treatment. Patients frequently find themselves making trade-offs among various attributes of a treatment, aligning these decisions with their personal values and beliefs. By considering these preferences and trade-offs in future studies that measure patient preferences, healthcare professionals can enhance their support for patients in making informed choices that align with their values and priorities. Additionally, healthcare policymakers can develop patient-centered policies that cater to the unique needs and preferences of breast cancer patients.

Keywords: breast cancer; patient preference; qualitative research; reflexive thematic analysis; treatment decision-making; treatment preference.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Health Research Council New Zealand Health Delivery Research Activation Grant. The funder did not play a role in study design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation nor were they involved in the preparation and submission of this manuscript. No identifiable information or findings beyond those disclosed in this report have been accessed or made available to the Health Research Council New Zealand.