Shared Decision Making: Through the Patient's Eyes

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Patient-Centered Care
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Birth is a significant life event requiring safe and memorable experiences.
• Healthcare providers are crucial in ensuring positive birth outcomes.
• Shared decision-making is vital during prenatal care, especially for high-risk patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of a patient-narrative program on improving maternal care.
• To understand high-risk obstetric patients' perspectives on their birth experiences.
• To enhance compassionate care through active listening and patient advocacy.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the "Through the Patient's Eyes" program.
• Postpartum invitation for high-risk patients to share their birth narratives with care teams.
• Qualitative data collection through patient storytelling.

Main Results:

• The program highlighted the importance of compassionate care derived from listening to women's voices.
• Nurses were identified as key educators and advocates in the birth process.
• Sharing birth stories positively impacted healthcare staff and facilitated profound healing for many women.

Conclusions:

• Patient storytelling is an effective tool for improving obstetric care quality.
• Incorporating patient perspectives enhances the therapeutic relationship between patients and providers.
• This innovative program demonstrates a pathway to more empathetic and effective maternal healthcare.