Shared Decision-Making Competency: Provider-Specific Factors in Hematology-Oncology Clinical Practice

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Oncology Nursing
• Medical Education

Background:

• Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial in hematology-oncology.
• Identifying factors influencing provider competency in SDM is essential for improving patient care.
• Direct patient care providers in this setting require specific skills for effective SDM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify provider-specific factors linked to shared decision-making (SDM) competency.
• To explore personal and professional characteristics associated with SDM skills in hematology-oncology.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed®, CINAHL®, and EBSCOhost.
• The search focused on identifying factors correlating with SDM competency among direct patient care providers.
• Data synthesis focused on provider-specific attributes and environmental influences.

Main Results:

• Personal factors such as being female, older age, and higher education were associated with greater SDM competency.
• Professional factors including years of clinical experience and nonclinical experiences showed a positive correlation.
• Institutional and administrative support for SDM, alongside cultural competence, were significant positive predictors of SDM competence.

Conclusions:

• Provider demographics, experience, and supportive practice environments are key to enhancing SDM competency.
• Further research is recommended to define core SDM competencies within interprofessional hematology-oncology teams.