This approach ensures that medical decisions align with a patient’s values, preferences, and lifestyle while considering the latest clinical evidence. It acknowledges that while doctors bring their medical expertise, patients bring their lived experiences, personal values, and treatment goals to the conversation.
For people living with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), shared decision-making is particularly valuable. ITP is a complex and unpredictable condition with various treatment options, each offering distinct benefits, potential risks, and varying levels of effectiveness, depending on the individual. Some people may experience mild symptoms and choose a watch-and-wait approach, while others may require treatment to manage severe bleeding risks. Engaging in SDM enables patients to fully understand their choices and participate actively in their care.
Key Elements of Shared Decision-Making:
- Two-Way Communication: Patients share their experiences, concerns, and preferences, while doctors provide medical expertise and available treatment options. This mutual exchange of information helps ensure the chosen treatment plan is the best fit for the patient’s lifestyle and health needs.
- Evidence-Based Information: Treatment choices should be based on the latest research and tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should be provided with clear, unbiased information about the benefits, risks, and potential side effects of treatment.
- Patient Empowerment: Patients are encouraged to ask questions, express their treatment goals, and feel confident in their role as decision-makers in their healthcare journey.
- Collaborative Decision-Making: Rather than doctors making decisions alone, patients and healthcare professionals work together to decide the best course of action based on medical evidence and personal values.
Benefits of Shared Decision-Making:
- Improved Understanding of Treatment Options: SDM ensures that patients understand their available treatment options and what to expect from each.
- Increased Treatment Satisfaction: Patients who actively participate in their treatment decisions are more likely to feel confident and comfortable with their chosen course of action.
- Greater Adherence to Treatment Plans: When patients feel involved in their care, they are more likely to follow through with treatment recommendations.
- Stronger Doctor-Patient Relationships: SDM fosters trust, transparency, and open communication, enabling patients to more easily discuss their concerns and preferences.
- Encourages Personalised Treatment: Every patient’s experience with ITP is unique. SDM ensures that treatment plans consider individual preferences, risk tolerances, and lifestyle needs.
- Empowers Patients to Advocate for Their Health: Patients who understand their condition and treatment options can advocate for their needs and ensure their voices are heard in their healthcare journey.
- Reduces Anxiety and Uncertainty: Making medical decisions can be stressful, especially when managing a condition like ITP. SDM helps to alleviate anxiety by providing a structured approach to decision-making.
- Fosters Long-Term Engagement in Healthcare: Patients who are actively involved in decision-making tend to remain more engaged in their overall health, leading to better management of their condition over time.
- Enhances Quality of Life: By aligning treatments with patient values and lifestyles, SDM can contribute to a better overall quality of life.
How to Practise Shared Decision-Making
Patients and healthcare providers can actively practise SDM by:
- Encouraging Open Dialogue: Patients should feel comfortable voicing their concerns and asking questions during medical appointments.
- Utilising Decision Aids: The ITP Support Associations ‘Shared Decision-making Toolkit’ can assist you and your doctor through the process, best practices and making informed choices.
- Seeking Second Opinions: If a patient is uncertain about a recommended treatment, getting a second opinion can provide additional clarity.
- Regularly Re-Evaluating Decisions: Since health conditions and personal circumstances can change, the SDM process should be ongoing rather than a one-time discussion.
By embracing shared decision-making, patients with ITP can feel more in control of their health, resulting in improved satisfaction and better health outcomes.
Download a copy of the UK ITP Support Association’s Shared Decision-making toolkit here.