Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Helping Patients Make Better Treatment Choices with Decision Aids

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.

In a recent national survey of adults facing a medical decision—to take a new medication, have elective surgery or undergo a cancer screening—patients overwhelmingly said they wanted to learn about the risks associated with various treatment options and have their providers listen to them. But less than half of patients reported that their provider asked them about their goals and concerns for treatment.