Introduction to Patient-Clinician Shared Decision Making
"Shared Decision Making" (Shared Decision Making, SDM) was first introduced in 1982 in the United States as part of a patient-centered care welfare program, proposed to promote mutual respect and communication between clinicians and patients. In 1997, Charles presented an operational definition, requiring participation from both physicians and patients: physicians provide evidence on various treatment options, patients express personal preferences and values, they exchange information and discuss, jointly arriving at the best feasible treatment option.
Shared decision making is a patient-centered clinical care process that incorporates three elements: knowledge, communication, and respect. Its purpose is to enable clinicians and patients, before making medical decisions, to share existing evidence-based outcomes, combine the patient’s own preferences and values, present all viable options to the patient, and involve both clinicians and patients in care, achieving consensus on medical decisions and supporting patients to make choices that align with their preferences.
Patient-Clinician Shared Decision Making Aids
Patient-clinician shared decision aids are specifically designed for patients, helping them understand the disease, clinical course, and the significance of treatment options, as well as express their concerns and expectations. Using graphical explanations and interactive tools, they present the latest evidence-based medical data in a patient-understandable manner, facilitating joint medical decisions by physicians and patients, thereby improving the efficiency of clinician-patient communication.
Purpose of the Aids
Reduce the burden on healthcare staff in preparing communication information
Help patients express important likes/dislikes and values
Confirm that patients have understood the disease or treatment knowledge required before making a decision
Reduce patients' anxiety before decision making
Increase patient participation in medical decisions
Improve patient satisfaction with medical services
Increase patient adherence to medical care
Enhance quality of care
Build better clinician-patient relationships
(Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare website)
Related Information Reference Websites
Ministry of Health and Welfare — Patient-Clinician Shared Decision Making Aids
Ministry of Health and Welfare National Health Agency — Health 99 Website
Ottawa Hospital, Canada — Decision Aid Tools The Ottawa Hospital
