Looking for a more participative healthcare: sharing medical decision making

Abstract

The healthcare model is shifting from a paternalistic towards a more inclusive and participative approach, such as shared decision making (SDM). SDM considers patients as autonomous and responsible agents. SDM is a therapeutic approach where healthcare providers and patients share the best evidence available to make a decision according to the values and preferences of the patient. Decision aids are tools that can facilitate this information exchange. These tools help patients to increase knowledge about options, reduce decisional conflict and improve satisfaction. Additionally, communication skills play a key role within the professional-patient relationship, as they facilitate sharing information and preferences in an effective and respectful manner. This therapeutic approach could support the reduction of health inequalities that affect Latin America, as it promotes an active and informed participation of patients in their healthcare process.