Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify shared decision-making between surgeons-patients (SDM S-P)
and family-patients (SDM F-P), and to analyze predictive factors for decision-making conflict in surgery for elderly
patients with cancer. Methods: Participants were 109 elderly patients with cancer who were scheduled for surgery
and did not have any other medical treatment. Data were collected through face to face interviews from November
15, 2012 to January 30, 2013 using the Shared Decision Making-9 questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) and Decisional
Conflict Scale (DCS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA and stepwise multiple
regression with the IBM SPSS Statistics 19. Results: Mean score for SDM S-P was 18.87 points which was
very low, but significantly high compared to the score for SDM F-P. Mean score for decision-making conflict was
18.66 points which was also very low. SDM S-P was the strongest favorable factor in decision-making conflict
related to surgery. Decision by family for surgery was the most negative factor. Conclusion: In order to reduce
decision-making conflict of patient for surgery, medical teams have to increase SDM S-P and let elderly patients
with cancer make their own choices for surgery.