Academic Journal
Values elicitation among surgical oncologists: Findings from an international survey.
| Title: | Values elicitation among surgical oncologists: Findings from an international survey. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Fitzgerald JE; Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA., Bechthold AC; College of Nursing, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA., Whitlow O; School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA., Monton O; Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA., Odom JN; School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA., Kopecky KE; Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: kimberlykopecky@uabmc.edu. |
| Source: | European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology [Eur J Surg Oncol] 2026 Mar; Vol. 52 (3), pp. 111399. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jan 09. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Elsevier Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 8504356 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1532-2157 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 07487983 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Eur J Surg Oncol Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: Original Publication: London ; New York : Academic Press, [1985- |
| MeSH Terms: | Neoplasms*/surgery , Surgical Oncology* , Oncologists* , Clinical Decision-Making*, Humans ; Male ; Female ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Patient-Centered Care ; Middle Aged ; Physician-Patient Relations ; Communication ; Adult ; Attitude of Health Personnel |
| Abstract: | Background: Values elicitation, the structured process of clarifying what matters most to patients, is essential to patient-centered care in surgical oncology. This study examined how surgeons elicit, document, and incorporate patient values into surgical decision-making in clinical practice. Methods: We conducted a 26-question international online survey (May-June 2025) assessing self-reported values elicitation practices among surgical oncologists, focusing on timing, methods, documentation, communication, and preparedness. The survey was distributed through professional networks using convenience and snowball sampling methods, wherein participants were recruited directly or referred by peers. Descriptive statistics summarized responses, and free-text answers were thematically analyzed. Results: Ninety-one surgical oncologists responded to the survey. Most were male (n = 40, 56 %) and White (n = 52, 74 %), specializing in gastrointestinal (n = 32, 44 %), breast (n = 24, 33 %), or skin/soft tissue (n = 24, 33 %) oncology. Most reported eliciting patient values (n = 69, 87 %) and initiating values conversations (n = 52, 73 %). Surgeons reported documenting values (n = 55, 77 %) in the electronic health record and communicating them during tumor boards (n = 50, 83 %). Most surgeons (n = 48, 67 %) reported that patient values influenced recommendations in fewer than 25 % of cases. Nearly all (n = 69, 97 %) reported navigating treatment recommendations that conflicted with patients' values. Narrative responses identified three strategies: direct questioning, goals-of-care framing, and shared decision-making dialogue. Time constraints (n = 50, 70 %) and limited training (n = 19, 27 %) were key barriers. Most (n = 66, 93 %) felt prepared, yet 78 % (n = 56) desired additional training. Conclusions: While values elicitation was widely reported by surgical oncologists, it often did not influence surgical recommendations. Findings highlight the need to re-evaluate approaches and training for integrating patient values in surgical decision-making. (Copyright © 2026 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.) |
| Competing Interests: | Conflict of interest None. |
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| Grant Information: | R25 CA278711 United States CA NCI NIH HHS |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Clinical decision-making; Goals; Patient-centered care; Social values |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260115 Date Completed: 20260626 Latest Revision: 20260825 |
| Update Code: | 20260825 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13500059 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ejso.2026.111399 |
| PMID: | 41539035 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
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