Shared Decision Making in Gastroenterology: Challenges and Opportunities.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Shared decision making (SDM) is crucial for patient-centered care in medicine.
• Its application in gastroenterology, particularly for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), requires further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current utilization of shared decision making in gastroenterology.
• To identify opportunities for expanding SDM, especially in the context of FGIDs.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases.
• Articles published between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, were included.
• Specific search terms focused on shared decision making in gastroenterology, gastrointestinal disease, FGIDs, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Main Results:

• Shared decision making is being adopted in various gastroenterological contexts.
• There is a notable gap in the literature regarding SDM for functional gastrointestinal disorders.
• Opportunities exist to enhance SDM for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Shared decision making has established roles in gastroenterology, but its full potential, especially for FGIDs, remains largely untapped.
• Further research and implementation are needed to optimize SDM in managing functional gastrointestinal disorders.