The Importance of Patient Involvement in Hospitals and Departments 2

Shared Decision-Making contribute to a More Patient-Centred Society!

In healthcare today, patient engagement is more than just a trend - it's an indispensable component. From overall strategies at the hospital level to day-to-day decisions in specific departments, the patient's voice plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. One of the most effective ways to integrate the patient's perspective into the care process is Shared Decision-Making (SDM).

How does shared decision-making contribute to patient care?

Shared decision-making and consideration of patient preferences has been shown to lead to better knowledge and risk understanding, better alignment between treatment and the patient's values and preferences, and better communication between patient and healthcare professional, among other things. A study on prostate cancer treatment also suggests that shared decision-making may lead to fewer cases of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

* A 2020 study based on 261 consultations concludes that implementing Shared decision-making in the consultation does not lead to longer consultations and that Shared decision-making contributes to less overtreatment and overdiagnosis.

What is Shared Decision-Making?

There are several different definitions of shared decision-making. Common to all definitions is that the healthcare professional presents treatment options to the patient and the patient and healthcare professional discuss the patient's preferences.

Criticism of Shared Decision-Making

The main criticism of shared decision-making is that the healthcare professional's expertise is neglected. In the context of general practice, for example, it is argued that the doctor becomes a passive provider of healthcare services that the patient is free to choose from.

In continuation of this criticism, it is important that the patient's preferences do not undermine the healthcare professional's professional authority or medical guidelines. Instead, the healthcare professional's task is to present the patient with professionally relevant treatment options and inform the patient about the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment options based on evidence.

Is your department or hospital committed to involving patients in decision-making? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below!

//Lisbeth