WHIS - Shared Decision Making Expert Group

WHIS - Shared Decision Making Expert Group Our Primary Aim: To facilitate the adoption and practice of shared decision-making (SDM) throughout healthcare systems and across all medical disciplines.

What is Shared Decision-Making?

Shared decision-making occurs when the patient and physician work as collaborative partners in deciding a treatment plan that is best for the patient.

The optimal decision takes into account evidence-based information about the available treatment options, the clinicians’ knowledge and experience, and any factors the patient feels should be considered in their decision-making (e.g.: goals, lifestyle support structure, etc.).

Studies across various medical specialties have shown multiple benefits of shared decisionmaking.

Benefits include:  Improves patient education  Helps set appropriate patient expectations  Improves patient “buy-in” and compliance  Decreases decisional conflict  Improves patient satisfaction  Improves patient outcomes  Reduces medical malpractice risk  Improves value in healthcare delivery The Problem: Shared decision-making is standard of care but unfortunately not standard practice.

Implementation of shared decision-making in healthcare practices remains sparse.

Unfortunately, in many cases patients may be reticent to initiate this type of conversation or simply do not appreciate that they can. In reality, if the clinician does not subscribe to shared decision-making, it rarely occurs unless the patient advocates for themselves.

Our expert group will work tirelessly to change this.

Expert Group Members: Minas Chrysopoulo, MD FACS (co-chair) Terri Coutee (co-chair) Susanne Baars www.whis.world/shared-decisions