top of page

Shared Decision Making

Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process where healthcare professionals and patients work together to make decisions about the patient’s care. It respects the patient’s right to make informed choices based on their personal values, preferences, and circumstances, while drawing on the clinician’s medical knowledge and expertise.

​

Key Features of Shared Decision Making:

  1. Information Sharing

    • The clinician provides evidence-based information about treatment options, risks, and benefits.

    • The patient shares their values, preferences, lifestyle, and goals.

 

  1. Deliberation

    • Both parties discuss the options, considering the pros and cons in the context of the patient’s life.

  2. Decision Making

    • A decision is reached together, rather than being dictated by the doctor or left entirely to the patient.

​​

Why It Matters:

  • Improves satisfaction – patients feel heard and respected.

  • Promotes autonomy – especially important when values or lifestyle impact the best choice.

  • Leads to better outcomes – decisions are more likely to be followed and suited to the person.

​

Tools That Help:

  • Decision aids – leaflets, videos, or online tools that help explain options.

  • Question prompts – such as “What are my options?” “What are the benefits and risks?” “What matters most to me?”

bottom of page