Changes in culture and technology have resulted in patient populations that are often well informed and educated, even before consulting or considering a healthcare need delivered by a health professional. Fueled by this, health professionals are increasingly involving patients in treatment decisions. However, this often comes with challenges, as illnesses and treatments can become complex.
What has your experience been with patient involvement in treatment or healthcare decisions?
In this Discussion, you will share your experiences and consider the impact of patient involvement (or lack of involvement). You will also consider the use of a patient decision aid to inform best practices for patient care and healthcare decision making.
To Prepare:
Review the Resources and reflect on a time when you experienced a patient being brought into (or not being brought into) a decision regarding their treatment plan.
Review the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute's Decision Aids Inventory at https://decisionaid.ohri.ca/Links to an external site..
Full Answer Section
One time, I had a patient with breast cancer who was facing a difficult decision about whether to have surgery or radiation therapy. She was very well-informed about her options, but she was also very anxious about making the wrong decision. We spent a lot of time talking about her values and priorities, and we ultimately decided to recommend surgery. The patient was very grateful for our guidance, and she said that she felt much more confident about her decision after our discussion.
I believe that patient decision aids can be a helpful tool for facilitating patient involvement in treatment decisions. Patient decision aids are tools that provide patients with information about their condition and treatment options, and they help patients to weigh the risks and benefits of different options. Patient decision aids can be a valuable resource for patients, as they can help to ensure that patients are making informed decisions about their care.
However, it is important to note that patient decision aids are not a substitute for patient-provider communication. Patient decision aids can provide patients with information, but they cannot replace the expertise of a healthcare provider. It is important for patients to work with their healthcare providers to make treatment decisions that are right for them.
Overall, I believe that patient involvement in treatment or healthcare decisions is a positive development. It can lead to better decision-making and improved patient outcomes. However, it is important for patients to be informed about their options and to work with their healthcare providers to make decisions that are right for them.
Here are some additional thoughts on the impact of patient involvement (or lack of involvement) in treatment decisions:
- Patients who are involved in treatment decisions are more likely to be satisfied with their care. They feel more in control of their health and they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans.
- Patients who are involved in treatment decisions are more likely to have better outcomes. This is because they are more likely to choose treatments that are right for them and they are more likely to follow through with treatment.
- Patient involvement can be challenging, especially when illnesses and treatments are complex. It is important for healthcare providers to be patient and to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions.
- Patient decision aids can be a helpful tool for facilitating patient involvement in treatment decisions. However, it is important to note that patient decision aids are not a substitute for patient-provider communication.
I believe that patient involvement in treatment or healthcare decisions is an important trend that is here to stay. It is important for healthcare providers to be prepared to
support patients in this process and to provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions.