To treat or not to treat? Oncologists’ perceptions and experiences regarding overtreatment in end stage cancer patients

TL;DR

This study explores why oncologists in Israel sometimes provide unnecessary treatments to end-stage cancer patients and how they can reduce such overuse.

Contribution

The study identifies specific barriers and facilitators to reducing overuse of end-of-life cancer care from oncologists' perspectives.

Findings

Six major barriers and 12 facilitators to reducing overuse were identified by oncologists.

Physicians reduce overuse through communication, confidence, and involving families and teams.

Oncologists' opinions vary by role and geographic practice area.

Abstract

Aggressive care at end-of-life can harm quality of life without significantly improving survival. Despite best practice guidelines, research shows that oncologists continue to provide too much treatment to patients, especially at the end-of-life. Understanding the perceptions of oncologists regarding unnecessary care toward end-of-life can inform interventions and mitigate overuse. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of oncologists regarding why overuse of services is occurring for cancer patients at the end-of-life and elucidate factors which impede the implementation of best practices at the end-of-life in cancer.

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with oncologists in Israel. The interview guide was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify beliefs about practices in caring for patients at the end-of-life and transitioning to palliative care. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed.

Participants identified six major barriers and 12 major facilitators to reducing overuse at end-of-life. Barriers included patients seeking second opinions, patient and family fragility, pressure and demands from patients and families, a culture of valuing extending life, time constructs, and physicians’ emotional regulation. Physicians reduce overuse by relying on experience, communication and relationship building skills, taking ownership over their roles, confidence in their abilities, belief and recognition of the importance of appropriate care, involving families and other healthcare professionals and easing into the process. Oncologist opinions vary based on role and geographical area of practice.

Physicians can influence the rate of overuse as they guide patients at end-of-life. Findings can be utilized to help the health system in Israel reduce the overuse of unnecessary services at the end-of-life for cancer. Interventions such as palliative care referrals, multidisciplinary teams, and educational initiatives can help minimize overuse and improve quality of life for patients in their final days. Future research should incorporate views and perspectives of other stakeholders.