The Approach of Shared Decision-Making as a Factor in Improving the Quality of Care

The patient-physician relationship has traditionally been paternalistic, in which the physician made decisions on behalf of the patient, using his or her skills to select the necessary interventions and treatments likely to restore the patient's health. In this context, the information given to the patient is selected in such a way as to encourage him to consent to the decisions of the attending physician. This definition of asymmetric or unbalanced interaction between doctors and patients has begun to be challenged in recent years, with a shift towards a more "complementary" relationship where the patient is more informed, empowered, and autonomous. Shared decision-making has been shown to have a positive impact on health care, as it guides treatment plans that better reflect patient goals, improves patient-physician communication, has a positive effect on health outcomes, and can reduce costs.