Sharing is caring Shared decision-making in complex surgical oncology using animated videos

Treatment decision-making in complex surgical oncology is challenging, as patients often face choices that weigh survival against long-term implications and quality of life (QoL). These decisions are medically complex, emotionally charged, and highly sensitive to individual preferences. Shared decision- making (SDM) between patients and clinicians, and when present, informal caregivers, is therefore essential to ensure that treatment choices align with patients’ values, goals, and preferences. This is particularly true for head and neck cancer, where invasive treatments can profoundly affect daily functioning and QoL. Effective communication and information provision are critical for delivering high-quality care, especially since many patients with HNC experience decisional conflict and regret. Despite the clear relevance of SDM in this context, SDM in head and neck oncology remains insufficiently studied and implemented in clinical practice.
This thesis explores whether and how SDM in complex surgical oncology can be improved, focusing on oral cancer surgery. Part I aimed to gain insight into how the actions of both patients and clinicians contribute to treatment communication and SDM through two quantitative studies: one examining patients' online support-seeking behavior and the other investigating the perceived and observed SDM levels in head and neck oncology. Part II explores the role of audiovisual materials, examining their potential to improve communication and SDM among patients, clinicians, and informal caregivers in complex surgical oncology This includes a systematic review of audiovisual interventions and an exploration of the perspectives of patients, clinicians, and informal caregivers regarding the use of (2D/3D) animated videos.