What is the primary aim of shared decision-making?

The primary aim of shared decision-making is to empower patients in treatment decisions. This approach fosters collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that individuals are actively involved in their own care. It recognizes that patients bring valuable insights regarding their personal preferences, values, and cultural backgrounds, which are essential in making informed treatment choices.

Shared decision-making enhances patient autonomy, promoting a sense of ownership over their health journey. By engaging in discussions about options, outcomes, and potential risks, patients can weigh their choices alongside their healthcare providers, ultimately leading to decisions that align with their personal goals and desires.

This method contrasts with approaches that focus on minimizing individual choice, simplifying processes without patient input, or enhancing medical authority. These alternatives do not prioritize the patient's voice, which is a fundamental aspect of empowering individuals in their healthcare decisions.