What are the essential steps in shared decision making?

What are the essential steps in shared decision making?

• A. Elicit patient values and preferences; present options with pros/cons; assess feasibility and suitability; check understanding; support deliberation; document decisions
• B. List resources, set limits, obtain consent, implement
• C. Decide unilaterally; inform patient; document
• D. Avoid discussing preferences and values with the patient

Answer: (A)

Shared decision making means partnering with the patient to choose among medical options by aligning the plan with what matters most to them, while clearly outlining the benefits and risks of each option and how feasible each choice is in real life. The essential steps are: first, elicit the patient’s values and preferences so the decision reflects their priorities; second, present all reasonable options with their pros and cons so the patient can compare potential outcomes; third, assess feasibility and suitability given the clinical situation and the patient’s life context to ensure the option is realistic; fourth, check understanding to confirm the patient comprehends the information and implications; fifth, support deliberation so the patient has time, questions, and time to reflect; and finally, document the decisions to create a clear record for follow-up and continuity of care. This approach contrasts with making decisions unilaterally or avoiding discussion of preferences, which don’t engage the patient in the care plan and can lead to choices that don’t fit their values or circumstances.

Shared decision making means partnering with the patient to choose among medical options by aligning the plan with what matters most to them, while clearly outlining the benefits and risks of each option and how feasible each choice is in real life. The essential steps are: first, elicit the patient’s values and preferences so the decision reflects their priorities; second, present all reasonable options with their pros and cons so the patient can compare potential outcomes; third, assess feasibility and suitability given the clinical situation and the patient’s life context to ensure the option is realistic; fourth, check understanding to confirm the patient comprehends the information and implications; fifth, support deliberation so the patient has time, questions, and time to reflect; and finally, document the decisions to create a clear record for follow-up and continuity of care. This approach contrasts with making decisions unilaterally or avoiding discussion of preferences, which don’t engage the patient in the care plan and can lead to choices that don’t fit their values or circumstances.