When patients are given decision aids, such as educational booklets, DVDs, or interactive tools, to help them make treatment choices, they are more knowledgeable and satisfied with their care. But the use of such aids as part of “shared decision making”—a communication approach that seeks to balance clinicians’ expertise with patients’ preferences—has until recently been limited to research trials. Now some health systems and public policymakers are supporting more widespread use of shared decision making in efforts to promote patient engagement, reduce inappropriate use, and control costs.
By Martha Hostetter and Sarah Klein http://bit.ly/W0y1eU
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