Shared Decision Making

The International Encyclopedia of Health Communication, pp. 1–7

Abstract

Abstract Shared decision making is the process by which patients and clinicians make decisions about care together, in order to choose management options that fit the individual patient best. This decision model is in place when there is uncertainty about the best option for a particular patient, which is often the case. Many definitions of shared decision making exist, which share key elements. In clinical practice, shared decision making is still not common. Various barriers have been identified to explain why shared decision making has not been widely implemented yet, and a fundamental barrier may relate to the vulnerable position in which patients find themselves with respect to clinicians. Multiple measures of shared decision making have been designed, but assessment remains a challenge, and effects on patient outcomes are still unclear. Effective implementation of shared decision making is increasingly being considered as requiring a multifaceted approach, including a particular focus on individuals with lower health literacy skills. Overall, continuing efforts to substantiate, fine‐tune, and promote shared decision making are required to ensure that decisions are made that align with what matters most to individual patients.

Authors 4

1. Arwen H. Pieterse Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands

2. Pål Gulbrandsen

   University of Oslo

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Oslo, Norway

3. Kirsten J. McCaffery

   The University of Sydney

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Sydney, Australia

4. Inge Henselmans

   Amsterdam University Medical Centers

   Affiliation as printed

   Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands