Invited review: Enabling shared decision making in gerontological nursing: Barriers and facilitators

Area of Science:

• Gerontological Nursing
• Healthcare Policy
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Shared decision making (SDM) is vital for person-centered care but underutilized in gerontological nursing.
• Integrating older adults' life experiences into decision-making is essential.
• The aging global population necessitates improved SDM for complex care transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key issues in shared decision making for older adults.
• To examine theoretical frameworks, barriers, and facilitators of SDM in gerontological practice.
• To highlight the role of nurses in supporting SDM for older patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review examining theoretical frameworks of SDM.
• Analysis of barriers and facilitators to SDM in older populations.
• Discussion of practical implementation and nursing roles in SDM.

Main Results:

• SDM faces significant implementation challenges in gerontological nursing.
• Older adults' life experiences are central but often overlooked in decision-making.
• Nurses play a critical role in facilitating SDM through education and resource support.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for research focused on older adults with complex needs and family-centered SDM.
• Essential tools and resources, including culturally appropriate decision aids and adequate time, are vital for effective SDM.
• Nurses must actively guide and support older patients in accessing and utilizing community resources for informed decision-making.