Toward the Implementation of Shared Decision-Making in Korean Clinical Practice: Study Protocol for a Foundational...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy and Management
• Patient-Centered Care Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial for patient-centered care but faces limited implementation in South Korea due to a physician-centered culture.
• A significant gap exists in culturally adapted models and frameworks for institutionalizing SDM in the Korean healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a foundation for nationwide SDM implementation in South Korea.
• To develop a culturally adapted Korean SDM model and a supporting framework for its institutionalization and clinical adoption.

Main Methods:

• A multi-method approach including nationwide surveys, systematic literature reviews, and psychometric validation studies.
• Development of standardized SDM evaluation tools and a clinical research data management system.
• Economic evaluations and legal analyses to inform a pilot reimbursement framework.

Main Results:

• Analysis of domestic and international SDM trends.
• Validated SDM assessment tools and guidelines tailored for the Korean context.
• A culturally grounded Korean SDM model with evidence-based implementation strategies and policy proposals.

Conclusions:

• The project provides the theoretical, empirical, and policy basis for advancing SDM in Korean healthcare.
• Addressing cultural and structural barriers, the developed model and recommendations will support sustainable SDM institutionalization, enhancing patient autonomy and clinical practice quality.