My recent posts have discussed some of the difficulties of modern medical decision-making in the context of PSA testing for prostate cancer. A new book by Harvard oncologist Jerome Groopman and Harvard endocrinologist Pamela Hartzband offers help to Healthy Survivors: Your Medical Mind: How to Decide What is Right for You.
As described in the NYTimes book review by Daniel Levitin, this book "aims to empower patients to become active participants, indeed negotiators, in decisions about their health care...I suspect insurance companies, H.M.O.’s and more than a few doctors are going to hate this book."
I, for one, think the book is terrific. (I'm halfway through, but felt it fit in with the ongoing posts). The authors make it easy to understand key concepts such as "risk for disease" and "number needed to treat," as well as the impact of various types of bias on our understanding of risk. These and others basic concepts are essential for making wise decisions that reflect your values and desires.
Levitin summarizes it well: "Groopman and Hartzband’s important book will help doctor and patient learn how each of us navigates our own tolerance for risk, thus improving outcomes on both sides of the examination table."
Thank you Dr Wendy, I will check out the book. Decision making time is very difficult for me too. The question that I have been asking myself lately is, "Do I want to continue to do treatment so I can continue to do treatment?" Quality vs Quantity rears it's ugly head. It is always an internal struggle. I announce what it is I'm going to do before I decide and then when I change my mind, everyone is confused. I don't even waste time trying to clarify anymore. I'm the captain of m y medical team, as it should be, but I feel I'm not educated enough to make my decisions. I want to control my health care and make the decisions, but I don't want to make life or death choices. What if they find the cure 10 minutes after I quit and die?
Posted by: Jonnie Hickman | October 16, 2011 at 06:21 AM
This book looks to be a thoughtful read based on your review.
Jan
Posted by: Jan Hasak | October 16, 2011 at 09:44 AM