The Benefits of Shared Decision-Making

Shared decision-making and value-based care are emerging approaches to obtaining additional value from patient care. Shared decision-making is the process of interacting with patients who wish to be involved in arriving at an informed, values-based choice among two or more medically reasonable alternatives. It attempts to stimulate collaborative discussion between physicians and patients to better align the pursued outcomes with the patient’s needs. Values-based care is care that is sensitive to the individual preferences and values of the patient. It is based on the idea that, to maximize effectiveness and efficiency, funds ought to be allocated so that they create the most value for the patient.

A significant medical diagnosis is a terrifying experience. Treatment choices are complex, with profound implications on finances and quality of life. There are often several different treatment options depending on the age of the patient, overall health. Often, alternative treatment options are available, as well. Every option has trade-offs such as survival, side effects, and cost. As a result, no treatment recommendation is right for every patient, making recommendations difficult for physicians. Patients are left to make the difficult personal and emotional choices about survival, treatment choices, quality of life, and cost.

Every person with cancer is unique, yet our system is largely based on “one size fits all” treatment protocols.

New Approaches to Making Intensely Personal Decisions

Some medical decisions are uncomplicated because there is one best treatment; a broken leg for example. For diagnoses like cancer, in which there is not one clear course of treatment, shared decision-making can ensure the treatment choice best aligns with patients’ preferences and values.

Shared decision-making provides numerous benefits for patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system at large. These benefits include more educated patients, less anxiety over the care process, improved health outcomes, reduction in unnecessary treatment and treatment costs, and a more personalized care experience.

Healthcare decisions are deeply personal choices. As such, patients want their values and preferences to weigh heavily into their treatment.

Shared Decision-Making and its Purpose in Healthcare

Shared decision-making is the process of interacting with patients who wish to be involved in their treatment choices. Shared decisions are informed, values-based choices, made by a patient and their physician, between two or more medically reasonable alternatives. Shared decision-making creates an intersection between the clinicians’ expertise and the patients’ intuitions about their circumstances and goals of care.

SDM is not intended to tell Healthcare Providers How They Should be Practicing Medicine

Because SDM is only information, it cannot provide guidance by itself. It is meant to complement, not replace, clinical judgment that is tailored to individual patients. Shared decision-making is not a clinical practice guideline, it does not replace clinical practice guidelines, and it does not make clinical practice recommendations.

Evidence for Benefits of SDM and Decision Aids

Studies also illustrate the potential for wider adoption of shared decision-making to reduce costs. Consistently as many as 20% of patients who participate in shared decision-making choose less invasive surgical options and more conservative treatment compared to patients who do not use decision aids.

In studies performed between 2000 and 2014, 71% of respondents said they preferred sharing decision making. 80% of patients say they want their healthcare provider to listen to them, but only 60% reported that they actually listened, with less than half claiming that their doctor asked them about their goals and concerns. Patients who participated in SDM are three to five times more satisfied with their clinicians.

Ardynn is intended to be an aid in the decision-making process. Board-certified patient advocates assist patients in understanding their diagnosis and prognosis, while preparing them for shared-decision making conversations with their physicians. This collaborative approach leads to greater patient satisfaction and compliance. For more information on Ardynn’s navigation and support services, that assist with SDM, contact Ardynn at memberservices@ardynn.com or by phone at 737.307.0077.

Share

Recent Articles

5 Common Myths About Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for promoting education and support around the disease. This month, an estimated 25,000 people in the U.S. will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer remains the second most common cancer diagnosed among American women, yet many misconceptions still exist. Let’s clear

Read More »

Patient-Led Treatment Decisions Lead to Better Outcomes

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, there is a growing recognition that the traditional, paternalistic model—where doctors make decisions for patients—is not always the most effective approach. Instead, a patient-led model, where individuals are actively involved in their treatment decisions, has been shown to lead to better health outcomes. This

Read More »

Best Ways to Support a Loved One with Cancer

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a challenging time for everyone involved. As a friend or family member, you may feel unsure about how best to support them. The journey through cancer is deeply personal and complex, but your support can make a significant difference.

Read More »

Your Preferences and Values Matter When It Comes to Treatment Decisions

When faced with a medical diagnosis, especially a serious one, making treatment decisions can be overwhelming. In these moments, it’s crucial to remember that your preferences and values play a central role in shaping your treatment journey. Medical decisions are not one-size-fits-all, and incorporating your personal beliefs, lifestyle, and goals

Read More »