NPAF Shines a Light on Shared Decision Making!

Today, I had the opportunity to attend a webinar on Shared Decision Making, presented by the National Patient Advocate Foundation. The event was titled "Do I have a Choice?" where excellent information was delivered by an outstanding platform of great speakers.

Here are a few key takeaways, in regards to when patients are at critical points in a long illness journey.

First that thing that stuck with me was the importance of the quality of the relationship and mutual trust that is built between a patient and physician.

One patient in particular, spoke of the impact that takes place when there is a change of provider and stated "everybody likes a little consistency."

This greatly impacts the process of shared decision making, and research shows that patients really do want to be a part of their healthcare team.

Patients want sufficient information to make good decisions too, and would like to have information sooner, even before the appointment, if possible.

Fear of being judged (for various reasons) is a real-life obstacle, and time constraints play a major factor as well, in how it limits communication.

Some conversations are more difficult to have, and some decisions take more effort to initiate, so removing as many barriers as possible is crucial.

This was a great presentation and it was very refreshing to see the providers discussing their commitment to improving the quality of provider-patient relationships, so that shared decision making can actually happen.

A few ways they feel this can be accomplished is by taking a new approach to learning by engaging in a different manner, establishing community connections, and letting patients know - "I see you and I hear you."

Another way that was mentioned regarding getting to know what can be done to build better relationships with patients in general, was by actually asking patients "what can I do to solve the problem?"

I heard phrases like "seeing and hearing patients in a more humanistic approach", and "stepping outside the clinical encounter", as one physician stated, and there was even a call for restorative justice in medicine, as it relates to disparities that play a huge role, as well.

This was all good stuff here! I was very pleased with the exchange of information that was shared by all of the speakers. I was even able to participate in a lively chat group. Overall, I received a wealth of information to aid me in educating and supporting my clients in my practice as a private patient advocate.

Sending a big round of applause to the National Patient Advocate Foundation and to everyone who was a part of this great event! More, please! ?? ?? ??