[The principles of shared decision-making and the contribution of self-help institutions]

Patient participation in decision-making has become increasingly important. Shared decision-making (SDM) describes a procedure for the physician-patient encounter and can be enhanced by training physicians, decision support tools and training patients. Results of a research consortium on SDM funded by the ministry of health showed positive effects of shared decision-making for both the patient and the physician. Self-help organizations provide information for patients and support their sovereignty dealing with their illness by counseling and training. Thus, self-help institutions already contribute to the enhancement of patient competencies for shared decision-making. A closer cooperation between research and self-help institutions can enhance the implementation of shared decision-making. Possible steps are the development of closer collaborations, exchange of experiences and the common development and implementation of decision support tools.