Medical Decisions: How Lifetime Affects Our Choices!

Medical Decisions: How Lifetime Affects Our Choices!

The German Research Foundation has decided to fund research into the temporal aspects of medical decisions for another four years. This is significant progress, as the research group “Medicine and the Time Structure of a Good Life” has been studying the interactions between medical decisions and lifespan since 2021. Prof. Dr. Mark Schweda from the University of Oldenburg will be the new research group spokesman and brings fresh perspectives to the project. The group is applying for funding of almost 3.4 million euros to continue its work.

The research focuses on different phases of life and their influence on medical decisions. This includes the challenges faced by young adults with chronic illnesses, middle-aged individuals in the context of reproductive health, and older adults in health care. The temporal order of life is increasingly challenged by medical advances, requiring innovative approaches to decision-making. The importance of life stages has a direct influence on how medical interventions, especially in old age, are perceived.

Influence of generativity on decisions

Particular attention is paid to generativity, i.e. the awareness of being part of a larger temporal context. This concept is crucial because the desire to pass on to future generations can influence the perception of medical options as we age. The research will also examine the role of media representations, such as those presented in medical series. These could have a profound impact on ideas about what a good life means.

Newly developed methods are intended to help better capture the temporal aspects of quality of life in medicine. A relevant sub-project by Schweda focuses on exploring the meaning of finitude and generativity for older people in the context of medical options. In addition, the team will also examine the role of social engagement on health in old age.

Medical decision-making in patient dialogue

Medical decision-making is a complex process. Before tests, doctors have a detailed discussion with patients about their diagnosis and treatment goals. Typically, the focus is on identifying and curing illnesses. However, it is not always desirable to make a diagnosis, especially in patients who refuse invasive testing if they do not want treatment. This is often the case in people with serious health conditions who may have refused chemotherapy or surgery even if cancer is diagnosed.

In some cases, patients do not want to know the possibility of a genetic disorder, such as Huntington's disease, while others want to be tested to make informed lifestyle decisions. Physicians must carefully assess the impact of diagnosis and treatment recommendations on patients, taking into account patients' wishes and concerns. Open communication about treatment ideas is particularly important to avoid misunderstandings about risks and side effects.

The benefit-risk ratio of disease and therapy is often difficult to assess, which highlights the complexity of medical decision-making. Patients should therefore always be included in discussions about the risks and benefits of treatments with their doctor in order to make a fundamentally informed decision. Knowledge of the wishes of relatives also plays a central role in ensuring the best possible medical care.

Overall, research shows that medical decisions should not be viewed in isolation, but rather in the context of life stages and personal values. The numerous interactions between the timing of life and medical decisions will be the focus of further research.