The shared decision-making model: Providers' and patients' knowledge and understanding in clinical practice

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient-Centered Care
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative care model emphasizing patient values and perspectives.
• The Affordable Care Act promotes SDM, but its effectiveness in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving underserved populations requires further study.
• FQHCs predominantly serve vulnerable populations, making SDM's role in their care crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess provider and patient understanding of SDM in two Pacific Northwest FQHCs.
• To explore experiences and perceptions of SDM among providers and patients in FQHC settings.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed.
• Data were collected through in-person interviews with 13 providers and 6 patients.
• Interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) method.

Main Results:

• Providers and patients demonstrated divergent understandings of SDM.
• Key provider themes included SDM as a "Cornerstone of Patient Centered Care," "partners in care," and the necessity of patient autonomy.
• Patient narratives highlighted a collaborative process: "They tell you what's up and we do it together."

Conclusions:

• Despite differing interpretations, both providers and patients highly value SDM in FQHCs.
• SDM in FQHCs appears to enhance provider and patient satisfaction and boost patient engagement in self-care.
• Implementing SDM is recommended for providers working with underserved populations to improve care outcomes.