Shared decision making

Definition

Shared decision making is a collaborative process where healthcare providers and patients work together to make informed decisions about treatment options and care plans. This approach emphasizes the importance of patient preferences, values, and needs while integrating the clinical expertise of healthcare professionals. By fostering open communication, shared decision making enhances patient engagement, promotes better health outcomes, and supports ethical principles in healthcare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shared decision making has been shown to improve patient satisfaction by ensuring that their values and preferences are considered in the decision-making process.
2. This approach is particularly important in situations where multiple treatment options exist, allowing patients to weigh the pros and cons of each choice.
3. Implementing shared decision making can lead to better adherence to treatment plans, as patients feel more invested in their care when they have a say in the decisions made.
4. Healthcare providers can utilize various tools, such as decision aids or informational materials, to facilitate shared decision making and help patients understand their options.
5. Shared decision making is grounded in ethical principles, such as respect for patient autonomy and beneficence, ensuring that patients receive care that aligns with their individual needs.

Review Questions

• How does shared decision making enhance patient engagement in the healthcare process?
  • Shared decision making enhances patient engagement by actively involving patients in their own care decisions. When patients are encouraged to express their preferences and concerns, they become more invested in the outcomes of their treatment plans. This collaborative approach fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, ultimately leading to improved communication and better health outcomes as patients feel empowered to take an active role in their healthcare.
• What ethical principles are reinforced through the practice of shared decision making in healthcare?
  • Shared decision making reinforces several key ethical principles in healthcare, particularly patient autonomy and beneficence. By prioritizing patient preferences and values, this approach respects individuals' rights to make informed choices about their care. Additionally, it aligns with beneficence by ensuring that healthcare providers work collaboratively with patients to achieve the best possible health outcomes while considering their unique circumstances.
• Evaluate the impact of shared decision making on treatment adherence and health outcomes compared to traditional decision-making models.
  • Shared decision making has a significantly positive impact on treatment adherence and health outcomes when compared to traditional decision-making models that often involve a more paternalistic approach. Research indicates that when patients participate in discussions about their care options, they are more likely to adhere to prescribed treatments because they feel a sense of ownership over their choices. This increased adherence often translates into better health outcomes, as patients are more committed to following through with a plan that reflects their values and preferences, leading to improved overall satisfaction with care.

Related terms

informed consent: A legal and ethical process in which a patient voluntarily agrees to a proposed medical treatment after being fully informed of its risks, benefits, and alternatives.

patient autonomy: The right of patients to make their own healthcare decisions based on their personal values and preferences.

evidence-based practice: A decision-making process that integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide healthcare interventions.