| Sumario: | Significance & Background: Christian County, Kentucky, reports an age-adjusted cancer incidence rate of 526.1 per 100,000 residents, underscoring the region's significant cancer burden. Newly diagnosed Stage IV cancer patients face challenging treatment decisions that require balancing clinical options with personal values (Shickh et al., 2023). Shared decision-making (SDM) is essential, yet many patients lack the knowledge and confidence to participate meaningfully in their healthcare decisions. Patient education bridges this gap, promoting autonomy and informed choices. The current percentage of newly diagnosed Stage IV cases at this rural hospital is 43%. Purpose: To evaluate how structured patient education improves SDM engagement and treatment satisfaction among newly diagnosed Stage IV oncology patients in a rural Kentucky setting. Interventions: Patients received individualized education sessions covering diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and communication strategies. Decision aids and nurse-led consultations were used to reinforce understanding and encourage dialogue. Results: Patients demonstrated increased comprehension of their condition, reduced decision- al conflict, and greater involvement in care planning (Josfeld et al.,2021). Patients reported feeling more confident in discussing treatment options, and satisfaction with care improved significantly. Discussion: Patient education is a powerful tool in oncology care, particularly in rural communities with high cancer incidence rates. It enhances SDM by empowering patients to align treatment choices with their values. Integrating education into routine care fosters trust, improves outcomes, and supports a holistic, patient-centered approach to oncology practice.
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