“A couple of decades ago, in fact, physicians prescribed tests and treatments for their patients without serious inquiry into what their patients wanted.

Sometimes doctors did not even inform patients of their diagnoses, for fear that the news would be too much for them to handle.

But times have changed, and many experts now contend that the best treatment differs from patient to patient based on the patient’s values. For example, a man who cares little about the risk of impotence is better suited to surgical treatment of his prostate cancer than a man who highly values sexual function.

Trying to keep up with the times, I explained that it was not my decision to make. It depended on what he felt about the risks and benefits of his alternatives, I said. He became even more confused.” —New York Times