Treatment decision-making process of men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer: the role of multidisciplinary approach in patient engagement

The diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) often represents a stressful event. In addition to the psychological distress related to the diagnosis, patients face challenging health decisions: in fact, besides radical treatments, Active Surveillance may represent an option for patients with diagnosis of localized PCa. A multidisciplinary clinical approach seems to represent the suitable organizational model to meet such a requirement, optimising the therapeutic outcome for PCa patients. The present study is a qualitative examination of the treatment decision-making process of men with a newly diagnosed localized PCa who received a multidisciplinary clinical consultation. Results suggest that a multidisciplinary approach may satisfy patients' need to be comprehensively informed about all their chances and options of curing and managing the disease. Together with information, patients need to build a therapeutic relationship with the physicians in order to share their treatment decision-making experience. If this does not occur, frustration, confusion and other negative emotions may emerge.