Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Shared decision making in the medical encounter: are we all talking about the same thing?
Nora Moumjid1, Amiram Gafni, Alain Brémond
1GRESAC (GATE, UMR 5824)-CNRS, University Lumière Lyon 2, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France. ferdjaou@lyon.fnclcc.fr
Summary
Clear definitions for shared decision making (SDM) exist, but many studies fail to cite or consistently use them. This inconsistency hinders focused research in shared decision making.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Shared decision making (SDM) is crucial in medical encounters.
- The proliferation of research on SDM necessitates a clear understanding of its definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a clear definition of SDM exists.
- To assess if authors define SDM when used.
- To evaluate the consistency of SDM definition usage in research.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of multiple databases (Medline, HealthStar, etc.) from 1997-2004.
- Keywords: informed decision making, shared decision making.
- Languages: English and French.
Main Results:
- Several clear definitions of SDM are available.
- Only about a third of reviewed papers (25/76) cite definitions.
- Significant inconsistency in definition usage and consistency was observed across papers.
Conclusions:
- While SDM definitions exist, their citation and consistent application in research are lacking.
- Inconsistent use of SDM terminology can impede research clarity and focus.
- Authors are urged to consistently define and use shared decision making in their work.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma:
01:19Standards of Care II
Nurses bear specific legal responsibilities under several federal statutes, including:
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:27Ethical Issues
Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:29SBAR I: Understanding the Concept
Effective communication among healthcare professionals during hand-off reporting is essential to delivering safe and continuous patient care. Common professional interactions include reports to healthcare team members, hand-off, and transfer reports. Nurses routinely report information to other healthcare team members and also urgently contact healthcare providers to report changes in patient status.
Standardized methods of communication have been developed to ensure that information is...
Standardized methods of communication have been developed to ensure that information is...
01:13Patient-centered Care
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...