Strategies for the Management of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules: A Survey of Patient Preferences

Abstract

Background: Guideline-based strategies for evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules are tailored to the likelihood of malignancy. Surveillance, biopsy, and resection are all reasonable approaches in fit individuals when the likelihood of malignancy is intermediate. Given the paucity of data demonstrating superior outcomes and important trade-offs among strategies, guidelines emphasize the importance of eliciting patient preferences and engaging in shared decision making; however, there is little literature on what patient preferences actually are. Methods: This study conducted a cross-sectional, interview-administered questionnaire survey in 100 adults recruited from a metropolitan teaching ..