How to Prepare for and Have a Shared Decision-Making Conversation
Terri Coutee and Minas Chrysopoulo, MD FACS Shared decision-making occurs when your doctor (or any healthcare professional) collaborates with you to make the best healthcare decision. The optimal decision takes into account evidence-based information about the available treatment options, the clinicians’ knowledge and experience, and any factors you value in your decision-making. The patient brings their preferences, goals, lifestyle, support structure, …whatever they feel is important to them in making a decision. The physician brings evidence-based information and their expertise. Together, they find the “sweet spot” in the middle. Our aim is to offer recommendations for patient and healthcare professionals to prepare for and have a shared decision-making conversation. Most patients prefer this collaborative approach over deferring treatment decisions completely to their doctor. Unfortunately, in many cases patients may be reticent to initiate this type of conversation or simply don’t appreciate that they can. In reality, if the clinician doesn’t Continue Reading →