Choose "For Specific Conditions," then Browse an alphabetical listing of decision aids by health topic.
After you have chosen a topic (or condition) and a decision aid, consider if social determinants of healthLinks to an external site. were considered in the treatment plan Social determinants of health can affect a patient's decision as these are conditions in the patient's environment, such as economic stability, education access, health care access and quality, neighborhood, and social and community context.
Post a brief description of the situation you experienced and explain how incorporating or not incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of healthLinks to an external site., and values impacted the outcome of their treatment plan. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how including patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values might impact the trajectory of the situation and how these were reflected in the treatment plan. Finally, explain the value of the patient decision aid you selected and how it might contribute to effective decision making, both in general and in the experience you described. Describe how you might use this decision aid inventory in your professional practice or personal life.
Full Answer Section
mpact of Ignoring Social Determinants:
- Limited Access to Healthy Food: During the consultation, I discovered Sarah lived in a "food desert" with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Focusing solely on medication adherence without addressing this social determinant could limit the effectiveness of any treatment plan.
- Transportation Challenges: Sarah also mentioned relying on public transportation, making it difficult to attend regular doctor appointments or grocery shopping trips requiring fresh produce. Without considering this barrier, adherence to a complex medication regimen or increased exercise routines might be unrealistic.
Incorporating Social Determinants and Values:
- Collaborative Goal Setting: By discussing Sarah's preferences, we collaboratively set realistic goals. She expressed comfort with taking oral medications, so we explored this option.
- Community Resource Referral: We discussed resources available through local community centers, including diabetes education programs and affordable fresh produce delivery options.
- Respecting Values: It was important to acknowledge Sarah's apprehension towards injections while still emphasizing the importance of blood sugar control.
Improved Trajectory with Patient-Centered Approach:
- Increased Engagement: By incorporating Sarah's values and concerns, we established a more patient-centered approach, fostering trust and increasing the likelihood of long-term adherence.
- Addressing Social Barriers: Connecting Sarah with community resources addressed the social determinants impacting her health and empowered her to make informed decisions.
Patient Decision Aid for Type 2 Diabetes:
A valuable resource for patients like Sarah is the "UpToDate: Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Choices" decision aid (https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-persistent-hyperglycemia-in-type-2-diabetes-mellitus). This tool allows patients to explore various treatment options, including oral medications and injectable therapies, considering factors like lifestyle, potential side effects, and personal preferences.
Value of Patient Decision Aids:
- Empowering Patients: Decision aids provide balanced information about treatment options, allowing patients to participate actively in their healthcare decisions.
- Improved Communication: They facilitate discussions between patients and healthcare providers, fostering understanding and shared decision-making.
- Increased Satisfaction: Being involved in the decision-making process leads to a greater sense of control and potentially improved treatment adherence.
Using the Decision Aid Inventory:
In my professional practice, I can utilize resources like the UpToDate decision aid inventory to provide patients with evidence-based information tailored to their specific condition. This empowers them to make informed decisions aligned with their individual needs and preferences. Personally, I can also use these resources to better understand treatment options for myself or loved ones, facilitating informed discussions with healthcare providers.
By incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of health, and individual values, healthcare professionals can create more effective and sustainable treatment plans, leading to better patient outcomes.
Sample Answer
Considering Social Determinants of Health in Treatment Decisions: A Patient Scenario
Scenario: I recently consulted with a 62-year-old woman, Sarah, diagnosed with moderately controlled type 2 diabetes. While Sarah understood the importance of diet and exercise for managing her condition, her main concern was multiple daily insulin injections. She expressed a strong preference for oral medications, even if they were slightly less effective.