Exploring Patient Preferences Related to Shared Decision-Making in Chronic Disease Management

Background and objective Shared decision-making (SDM) in healthcare has transitioned from a paternalistic model to a collaborative approach, particularly significant in chronic disease management. This shift focuses on aligning healthcare decisions with patient preferences and values, thereby enhancing patient engagement and treatment adherence. However, patient preferences regarding involvement in SDM vary widely, influenced by demographic, disease-specific, psychological, cultural, and social factors. This study aimed to explore patient preferences related to SDM in chronic disease management in Saudi Arabia, by assessing attitudes toward SDM, the impact of decision aids, and the role of clinician communication in influencing these preferences. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 409 adult outpatients with chronic diseases attending four public hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Participants were selected using purposive and convenience sampling. The survey, translated into Arabic, collected demographic data and information on preferences and experiences in decision-making, communication, and information sharing. The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) to identify patterns and correlations. Results Key findings indicated a strong preference among the participants for involvement in treatment decisions (n=303, 74.2%) and clear communication using layman's terms (n=338, 82.6%). Major barriers to active participation in SDM included lack of time during appointments (n=275, 67.2%), difficulty understanding medical terminology (n=220, 53.9%), and feeling intimidated to ask questions (297, 72.6%). Comfort in SDM was highest in the age group of 41-50 years [mean=4.16, standard deviation (SD)=28.44; F=2.3287, p=0.0739]. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the age group of 18-30 years (mean=3.42, SD=1.09; F=3.0503, p=0.0284). Conclusions Our findings highlight the need for incorporating patient preferences into chronic disease management strategies to enhance engagement and satisfaction.