Integrating Shared Decision-Making into Undergraduate Oncology Education: A Pedagogical Framework

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Oncology
• Healthcare Pedagogy

Background:

• Contemporary healthcare emphasizes patient-centricity and complex treatment options.
• Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial in oncology due to the profound impact of treatment choices on patients' lives.
• Integrating SDM into medical education is essential for preparing future physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a comprehensive pedagogical framework for embedding SDM into undergraduate oncology curricula.
• To propose twelve strategic approaches for cultivating physicians skilled in clinical acumen and patient collaboration.
• To enhance the quality of oncological care and prepare students for modern medical complexities.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review to ground the framework in existing research.
• Alignment with established educational theories.
• Proposal of twelve strategic approaches including clinical experience, role-playing, case studies, and decision aids.

Main Results:

• A detailed framework with twelve strategic approaches for SDM integration.
• Emphasis on developing communication skills, ethical deliberation, and cultural competence.
• Inclusion of patient narratives, evidence-based decision-making, and digital tools.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework enhances undergraduate oncology education by embedding SDM.
• It equips future physicians with essential skills for collaborative patient care.
• Addressing implementation challenges like curricular constraints and educator training is vital for success.