Shared Decision Making
Shared Decision Making (pronunciation: shârd dih-ˈsi-zhən ˈmā-kiŋ) is a process in which clinicians and patients work together to make decisions and select tests, treatments and care plans based on clinical evidence that balances risks and expected outcomes with patient preferences and values.
Etymology
The term "Shared Decision Making" is derived from the English language, where "shared" means jointly used, occupied, or experienced, "decision" means a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration, and "making" means the process of making or producing something.
Related Terms
- Patient Participation
- Informed Consent
- Healthcare Provider
- Clinical Evidence
- Risk Assessment
- Treatment Plan
Overview
Shared Decision Making is a key component of patient-centered health care. It is a process in which both the patient and the healthcare provider contribute to the medical decision-making process. Health care providers explain treatments and alternatives to patients to help them choose the care option that best aligns with their personal values and preferences. Shared decision-making is particularly important in the case of preference-sensitive care, where the clinical evidence does not clearly support one treatment option over another and where the patient's values and preferences are therefore critical in making a treatment decision.
Benefits
Shared Decision Making has several benefits. It improves patient understanding, creates a more patient-centered approach to care, and can lead to improved health outcomes. It also respects patient autonomy and promotes patient engagement in their own health care.
Challenges
Despite its benefits, Shared Decision Making also has challenges. These include time constraints, lack of patient understanding or interest, and difficulty in balancing the patient's values and preferences with the best clinical evidence.
See Also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.