Medical Care-Related Decisions among Patients Diagnosed with Early Stage Malignant Brain Tumor: A Qualitative Study.

Medical care-related decision-making among patients with malignant brain tumors has not been sufficiently discussed. This study aimed to develop a framework for understanding patients' experiences in the decision-making process. Semi-structured interviews with 14 patients were analyzed using a grounded theory approach, focusing on their 48 decision-making points. Additionally, interviews with two family members and seven healthcare providers, and participant observations were used to gain contextual insight into patients' experiences. Patients faced decisions while they under shock, fear, and anxiety while hoping. Under this context, they showed four decision-making patterns: (1) , (2) , (3) , and (4) . Across these patterns, the patients were generally satisfied with their decisions even when they did not actively participate in the process. Healthcare providers need to understand patients' contexts and their attitudes toward yielding decision-making to others.