%0 Journal Article
%T Patient Participation in Multidisciplinary High-Risk Surgery Discussions: A Pilot Study.
%A Jones TS
%A Mckown L
%A Lane A
%A Horney C
%A Unruh M
%A Brown N
%A Sommerville-Henderson S
%A Jones EL
%A Albright K
%A Levy C
%A Robinson T
%J J Palliat Med
%V 27
%N 7
%D 2024 Jul 8
%M 38973547
%F 2.947
%R 10.1089/jpm.2023.0655
%X Objective: Our medical center implemented a multidisciplinary team to improve surgical decision making for high-risk older adults. To make this a patient-centric process, a pilot program included the patient and their family/caregiver(s) in these conversations. Our hypothesis is that multidisciplinary team discussions can improve difficult surgical decision making. Methods: From January to June 2022, we offered patients and their family participation in multidisciplinary discussions at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Semistructured interviews were conducted 1-6 days after the meeting. Interview transcripts were analyzed with qualitative mixed-methods approach. Results: Six patients and caregivers participated in the interviews. They found the discussion helpful for improving their understanding of the surgical decision. Out of these, 50% (3 of 6) of the patients changed their decision regarding the planned operation based on the discussion. Conclusion: Including patients and caregiver(s) in multidisciplinary surgical decision-making discussions resulted in half of the patients changing their surgical plans. This pilot study demonstrated both acceptance and feasibility for all participants.