Shared Decision Making
Definition of shared decision-making:
Together, patients and the health care team clarify all acceptable options, ensure that both parties are well informed, and choose a course of care consistent with the patient’s values and preferences in the context of the best available medical evidence. In other words: Helping patients evaluate all available options—weigh their personal values, goals and priorities against unbiased medical evidence—in order to make informed decisions at every stage of their care.
I strongly believe that shared decision making allows the patient and physician to achieve the best possible outcomes.
My Approach to Shared Decision Making
I, as the physician, present an unbiased view of the pros and cons for all options, including “do nothing.” This may require the patient to do homework (read about a treatment, watch a video, etc.) and then return for further discussion.
The patient tells me about personal factors that might make one option seem better than another. These include personal values, goals, preferences and circumstances.
Together, the patient and I use this information to decide which option best reflects the patient’s needs and values.