[Shared decision making-strengthening patient-physiciant relations through joint deliberation]

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present shared decision making as a practical concept for urology. It describes a communication process in which patients and physicians share their respective perspective and expertise in order to jointly make an informed decision that is suitable for the individual patient. This makes it an important component of person-centered healthcare and is demanded by many patients and healthcare policy makers. Shared decision making can have a positive impact on patient knowledge and satisfaction. In urology, there are numerous decision-making situations in which shared decision making is indicated. At the same time, it is unclear how often shared decision making takes place in routine urological care and there are barriers to implementation on the part of physicians, patients and the organizational and system level. An appropriate attitude and communication skills as well as an awareness of the preference-sensitive decisions to be made are important prerequisites for shared decision making. Approaches such as the "Three Talks" model can be used to guide consultations. In addition, other measures such as patient decision aids, patient activation strategies, and training for physicians can support shared decision making in practice. Targeted approaches and reliable implementation in routine care will be important topics for the future of shared decision making.

Keywords: Communication; Patient centeredness; Patient preferences; Patient satisfaction; Person-centered care.