Interprofessionalism and shared decision-making in primary care: a stepwise approach towards a new model

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Shared Decision-Making

Background:

• Traditional shared decision-making (SDM) models primarily focus on the patient-physician relationship.
• There is a need to expand SDM to an interprofessional approach within primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and achieve consensus on a novel interprofessional shared decision-making (IP-SDM) model.
• To establish a framework that integrates individual, team, and system-level factors in healthcare decision-making.

Main Methods:

• A consensus-based approach was used by an interprofessional and interdisciplinary group.
• Key concepts from SDM models and interprofessionalism literature were analyzed.
• The group identified and discussed core components to formulate the IP-SDM model.

Main Results:

• A three-level IP-SDM model was developed: individual (micro), healthcare system (meso), and societal (macro).
• The individual level involves a structured process for informed, value-based decisions between patients and healthcare teams.
• Meso and macro levels incorporate influences of professional roles, organizational routines, health policies, and social context.

Conclusions:

• The developed IP-SDM model offers a comprehensive framework for collaborative decision-making in primary care.
• This model acknowledges the multifaceted influences on healthcare decisions, moving beyond the traditional dyadic approach.
• Future validation with diverse stakeholders is planned to refine and implement the IP-SDM model.