Newcastle: Shared decision-making is a process through which patients and doctors
work together to identify the treatment option(s) that best suit the
individual patient.
In the doctor-patient relationship, the doctor contributes their
expert knowledge in diagnosis, available treatment options and likely
outcomes of treatment, and the patient brings their expertise in the
form of their own values, beliefs,
circumstances and attitude towards the potential pros and cons of
the available options. Shared decision-making combines these two areas
of expertise in a balanced discussion in order to reach the best
decision for the patient.
This process benefits not only individuals but the health care
system as a whole. Shared decision-making practices are actively
encouraged by the NHS and they assert that the best care is provided
when patients are fully involved in decision-making regarding their own
care,
instead of decisions being made for the patient by doctors alone -"no decision about me, without me".