[Shared decision-making in metaclinical medicine: from informed consent to shared probability]

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Health Informatics
• Clinical Decision-Making

Context:

• The evolution towards metaclinical medicine necessitates new frameworks for patient-physician interaction.
• Traditional models of informed consent are challenged by patient empowerment and complex medical data.
• Integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives (patient, physician, scientist, administrator, society) is crucial.

Purpose:

• To explore the transition from informed consent to shared probability in clinical decision-making.
• To outline the essential components for effective shared decision-making in the metaclinical era.
• To highlight the role of clinical decision support systems in facilitating evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Summary:

• Shared decision-making in metaclinical medicine integrates patient life plans with physician health plans and scientific evidence.
• This process aims to mitigate unrealistic patient expectations, defensive medicine, and depersonalized care.
• Moving towards shared probability, supported by clinical decision support systems, enhances treatment choices based on absolute risk reduction.

Impact:

• Facilitates a more patient-centered and compassionate approach to healthcare.
• Improves the quality of clinical decisions by incorporating evidence, patient values, and probability.
• Reduces potential conflicts arising from differing expectations in the modern medical landscape.