EoE Module 11 References-Montori et al BMJ Evidence based Med 2022 Shared decision making as a method of care

Montori et al BMJ Evidence based Med 2022 Shared decision making as a method of care

Pdf Summary

The editorial by Victor M Montori and colleagues, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, August 2023, advocates for shared decision-making (SDM) as a central method of care in the medical field, emphasizing its role in fostering collaborative patient-clinician partnerships. SDM is defined as a process where clinicians and patients work together to make informed decisions that best fit the patient's values and preferences. It transcends the traditional view of being a mere additional task for clinicians, positioning itself as integral to the medical process, akin to history taking and patient education.<br /><br />Fundamental to SDM is a well-fostered conversation that creates a co-developed care plan. The authors suggest that SDM is crucial not only in matching patient preferences but also in addressing and reconciling conflicts, solving practical problems, and making meaningful patient-clinician connections. <br /><br />The practice involves iterative problem-solving, allowing clinicians and patients to adapt their approach as new insights emerge. Supporting SDM involves protecting the space and time for unhurried, meaningful conversations, optimizing the participation of all stakeholders including specialized clinicians and informal caregivers, and utilizing tools and aids that enhance understanding.<br /><br />The authors emphasize SDM's importance in advocating for patient-centered care amidst the pressures of healthcare systems that prioritize efficiency over quality patient care. They argue that SDM is not a luxury but a means to improve care quality, foster stronger patient-clinician relationships, and ensure that care decisions are jointly formulated and responsive to patient needs.<br /><br />Finally, they highlight the need for continuous evaluation and learning within the SDM framework to enhance its integration into healthcare practices. This involves assessing the process beyond outcomes and seeking feedback for joint improvements in patient care approaches, thus underlining the interconnected nature of care and learning.

Keywords

shared decision-making

patient-clinician partnerships

patient-centered care

healthcare quality

care plan co-development

iterative problem-solving

patient preferences

unhurried conversations

healthcare integration

continuous evaluation