Because little is known about the perceptions of patients who make health care decisions under potentially life-threatening conditions, a grounded theory approach was utilized to describe decision making from the patient's perspective. Eighteen respondents, aged 26 to 81, with diagnoses of heart disease, renal failure, or cancer were interviewed shortly after making a decision regarding treatment of their conditions and again about 1 month later. Respondents reported that their decisions to accept treatment were personalized to correspond with their views of themselves within the context of their life stories. Findings provide a basis for development of effective interaction and educational strategies for use with persons with potentially life-threatening conditions.

Robert McChesney was interviewed in late 2001 in Urbana, Illinois. He is a research professor in the Institute of Communication Research and the Graduate School of Information and Library Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. He is also the noted author of several books including Rich Media, Poor Democracy: Communication Politics in Dubious Times and It's the Media, Stupid! The interview was conducted to broaden our understanding of the interplay of social issues and the media. Being cognizant of changes in the American media is particularly important in the policy arena where the dissemination of information and the shaping of public opinion is critical to the success of our efforts on behalf of our clients. McChesney candidly illuminates his views about the confluence of recent political, social, and economic changes that shape our media, our knowledge, and the context of efforts to affect social change.

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