Health decisions and decision support for women

Women are more likely to live longer with chronic illness and have a long-term relationship with their health care provider; this requires a situation in which patients and providers have a role in managing illness. In this chapter, the authors provide a conceptual overview of decision making along with key issues: historical concepts related to patients and providers, consumerism, informed choice/consent, patient rights, shared decision making, patient involvement, as well as an overview of models of patient/provider partnerships. This review builds on the work of O'Connor et al. (1999), which resulted in a Cochrane review of decision aids and focuses the examination of patient decision aids that support women's decisions regarding health treatment or screening. The authors conclude with a look to the future and recommendations for research in the area of shared decision making and health care decision aids.