Helping Your Patient Make Decisions: Understanding and Implementing Shared Decision Making

Hall CA, Skelly CL and Risher CR

Published on: 2020-12-02

Abstract

Decision making is a continual process and essential for quality patient care. Although the patient is the ultimate decision-maker, the nurse and the healthcare team often provide the needed information and support to the client. This phenomenon has become known as the term and action of shared decision making. Nurses need to understand the process of Shared Decision Making to help ensure that care remains patient-centered. The AHRQ SHARE Approach decision-making model is designed to guide SDM by examining and analyzing healthcare option advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks. Shared decision making is a crucial component of today’s complex health care and supported by the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards of Practice [1]. This article discusses the details and exemplifies shared decision making in nursing care today utilizing a case exemplar.