Shared Decision-Making Models Acknowledging an Interprofessional Approach: A Theory Analysis to Inform Nursing...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality
• Nursing Practice
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patient engagement and collaboration with healthcare professionals are vital for high-quality healthcare delivery.
• Shared decision-making (SDM) involves patients in health-related decisions, expanding beyond the patient-physician dyad to include interprofessional collaboration.
• Conceptual models are essential for understanding the theoretical basis of SDM in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a theory analysis of conceptual models for interprofessional shared decision-making (SDM).
• To discuss the relevance of these models to nursing practice.
• To identify gaps in current models regarding interprofessional SDM operationalization.

Main Methods:

• Walker and Avant's theory analysis approach was utilized.
• Three conceptual models of interprofessional SDM were selected for analysis.
• Models were evaluated for logic, parsimony, generalizability, and empirical support.

Main Results:

• All analyzed models depicted the decision-making process as iterative.
• One model detailed its development process and was empirically supported.
• No model adequately described the enactment of partnerships for interprofessional SDM or clarified distinct nursing roles within the team.

Conclusions:

• Existing conceptual models offer insights into interprofessional SDM but require refinement.
• There is a need for a new model that elucidates how interprofessional partnerships are enacted to operationalize SDM.
• The findings provide implications for nursing practice across all system levels, supported by the analyzed models.