Shared Decision-Making In Health Care

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Shared decision making is a process by which patient and practitioner consider outcome probabilities and patient’s preferences and reach a health care decision based on mutual agreement. Though the majority of patients express a desire for more information, preferences for participation in health care decisions vary by individual and by illness. Research shows that active client participation results in numerous benefits, from increased satisfaction to decreased symptom burden. Many current health interventions promote patient-centered care, but literature on shared decision-making is just beginning. In this essay, the importance of shared decision making will be discussed, pointing out the benefits for both patient and clinician and underlying …show more content…

It has been defined as “an approach where clinicians and patients share the best available evidence when faced with the task of making decisions, and where patients are supported to consider options, to achieve informed preferences”(1). During this process, patient and practitioner participate in making a health decision, discussing all options available, their benefits and harms, taking into account as well patient’s values and preferences (2).
Shared decision making is supported by evidence from 86 randomized trials that showed increased confidence in decisions, more knowledge gained by patients and more active involvement, and, in most of cases, election of conservative treatment options (1). Besides, research in different areas of medicine showed that active client participation produces lots of benefits, including increased satisfaction and decreased symptom burden.
In this essay, the importance of shared decision-making will be discussed, underlying its benefits for the patient and the practitioner.
Materials and Methods
Sources that have been used for this essay are scientific articles found on pubmed and other appropriate …show more content…

In order to success it, the critical barriers between patients and practitioners should be broken out (4). Patient should be educated about the essential role they play in the process of decision making, giving them effective tools to help them understand their options and the consequence of their decisions. They should receive emotional support in order that they are able to express their values and preferences and ask questions without any admonishment or disapproval by their clinicians

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