Shared Decision Making: A Guide to Understanding the Benefits and Impact

Introduction

Shared decision making (SDM) is an approach to healthcare that involves both the patient and provider in the process of making decisions about treatment options. It is based on the idea that patients should be actively involved in their own health care and that their preferences should be taken into account when making decisions about care. The goal of SDM is to ensure that patients are well-informed and have access to all available options so that they can make the best decision for themselves.

The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of shared decision making, its benefits, and its impact on healthcare. We will examine the steps necessary for implementation and discuss the pros and cons of using this approach in healthcare settings. Finally, we will look at the implications of shared decision making for providers, patients, and policymakers.

Exploring the Benefits of Shared Decision Making

Shared decision making offers a number of potential benefits for both patients and providers. Studies have shown that when patients are involved in their own care, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and have better outcomes. Here are some of the main benefits of SDM:

Improved Outcomes

Studies have shown that patients who are actively engaged in their own care have better outcomes than those who are not. For example, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients who participated in shared decision making had lower rates of hospital readmission and fewer emergency department visits compared to those who did not. This suggests that involving patients in their own care can lead to better health outcomes.

Increased Satisfaction

Patients who are involved in the decision-making process tend to be more satisfied with their care. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients who participated in SDM reported higher levels of satisfaction with their care than those who were not involved. This suggests that involving patients in the decision-making process can improve their overall satisfaction with their care.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Research has also shown that patients who participate in SDM have better quality of life. A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine found that patients who were involved in their own care reported higher levels of physical and mental well-being compared to those who were not. This suggests that SDM can help to improve a patient’s overall quality of life.

A Guide to Understanding Shared Decision Making

Shared decision making is a collaborative approach to healthcare that involves both the patient and provider in the decision-making process. To understand how it works, it is important to consider who is involved, what types of decisions are involved, and how it works.

Who is Involved?

Shared decision making typically involves three key players: the patient, the provider, and the family or caregivers if applicable. The patient is the individual receiving care and is responsible for making the final decision. The provider is the healthcare professional providing care and guidance. The family or caregivers provide support and may be involved in the decision-making process.

What Types of Decisions are Involved?

Shared decision making can be used for any type of medical decision, including diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes. It is most commonly used for decisions related to chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression. However, it can also be used for decisions related to acute conditions, such as infections or injuries.

How Does it Work?

The shared decision-making process typically begins with the provider presenting the patient with information about their condition and available treatment options. The patient then considers their preferences and values before making a decision. The provider then helps to ensure that the patient understands all of their options and provides support throughout the decision-making process.

How to Implement Shared Decision Making in Your Organization

Shared decision making can be implemented in any healthcare setting. Here are some tips for incorporating SDM into your organization:

Establishing a Framework

The first step in implementing SDM is to establish a framework for how it will be implemented. This includes developing a set of guidelines, protocols, and processes for how the SDM process will be carried out. It is important to involve all stakeholders, including patients, providers, and family members, in the development of this framework.

Developing Guidelines and Protocols

Once the framework has been established, the next step is to develop guidelines and protocols for how the SDM process will be carried out. These guidelines should include details on how to initiate the SDM process, how to provide information to patients, and how to document the decision-making process. It is important to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of these guidelines and protocols.

Building Capacity

The final step in implementing SDM is to build capacity within the organization. This includes training staff on how to facilitate the SDM process, providing resources to patients and families, and ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of the benefits of SDM. It is also important to ensure that there is ongoing evaluation and feedback to measure the impact of the SDM process.

The Pros and Cons of Shared Decision Making

Like any approach to healthcare, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using shared decision making. Here are some of the main pros and cons of this approach:

Advantages

The main advantage of SDM is that it encourages active involvement from patients in their own care. This can lead to improved outcomes, increased satisfaction, and enhanced quality of life. Additionally, it can help to reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of SDM is that it requires additional time and resources to implement. Additionally, it can be difficult to engage patients in the decision-making process, especially those with limited literacy or language skills. It is also important to recognize that even with SDM, there is still the potential for patient harm if the wrong decision is made.

Examining the Impact of Shared Decision Making on Communities

In addition to the benefits for individual patients, shared decision making also has the potential to improve access to care and the quality of care for entire communities. Here are some of the ways SDM can have a positive impact on healthcare:

Improved Access to Care

Shared decision making can improve access to care by helping to reduce barriers to care. This can include reducing wait times, providing more convenient access points, and increasing awareness of available services. Additionally, SDM can help to bridge cultural and language gaps by involving family members in the decision-making process.

Improved Quality of Care

Shared decision making can also help to improve the quality of care by ensuring that patients are well-informed and have access to all available options. This can lead to better outcomes and reduced costs by avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments. Additionally, SDM can help to foster trust between patients and providers, leading to improved communication and better care.

Cost Savings

Finally, shared decision making has the potential to reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments. Additionally, it can lead to improved adherence to treatment plans, which can help to reduce the need for follow-up visits and other costly interventions.

Shared Decision Making: What Does it Mean for Healthcare?

Shared decision making has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered. Here are some of the implications for providers, patients, and policymakers:

Implications for Providers

For providers, shared decision making can lead to improved communication and better relationships with patients. It can also help to reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments. Additionally, it can help to improve patient outcomes by ensuring that they are well-informed and have access to all available options.

Implications for Patients

For patients, shared decision making can lead to improved outcomes, increased satisfaction, and enhanced quality of life. It can also help to reduce barriers to care, such as long wait times and cultural or language gaps. Finally, it can help to foster trust between patients and providers, leading to better communication and care.

Implications for Policymakers

For policymakers, shared decision making can help to reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments. It can also help to improve access to care by reducing barriers to care and increasing awareness of available services. Finally, it can lead to improved quality of care by ensuring that patients are well-informed and have access to all available options.

Conclusion

Shared decision making is an approach to healthcare that involves both the patient and provider in the decision-making process. It has the potential to improve patient outcomes, increase satisfaction, and enhance quality of life. Additionally, it can help to reduce costs and improve access to care for entire communities. Implementing SDM in healthcare settings requires a framework, guidelines, and protocols, as well as capacity building. There are both advantages and disadvantages to using this approach, and it has implications for providers, patients, and policymakers.

Shared decision making has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered and can lead to improved outcomes for patients and communities. If you are interested in learning more about this approach, there are many resources available online.

Resources for Further Reading

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2020). Shared Decision Making: A Guide for Clinicians. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/patient-care/shared-decision-making/guide-for-clinicians.html

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019). Promoting Shared Decision Making in Clinical Settings. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/outreach-education/promoting-shared-decision-making-clinical-settings

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2015). Shared Decision Making: A Model for Clinical Practice. London, UK: NICE. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.