Decision-making in the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia.

OBJECTIVES

To review the precepts of decision-making for people diagnosed with leukemia.

DATA SOURCES

Professional journals, research studies, review articles, and personal experience.

CONCLUSION

Decision-making is one of the most complex and demanding tasks faced by people diagnosed with leukemia. There are multiple dimensions of decision-making, including access to information, psychosocial support, spiritual support, education options for treatment and participation in clinical trials.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Health care professionals are integral to the decision-making process for people diagnosed with leukemia and are involved in most situations where decisions must be made relative to treatment, research, and symptom management.