Module Components

• Learning Activities

Topics

• Decisions Making Overview
• Research
• Patient Preferences
• Clinician Expertise and Context

NRSG 790-Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Module 12: Practice Decision Making

Patient Preferences

Practicing patient centered care requires involving patients and family members as active participants in the process. Decision making is made in collaboration with consideration of the patient’s preferences and their values. Research has shown that shared decision making improves patient adherence to recommendations and leads to improved outcomes.

It's important to keep in mind that patients and providers may approach the healthcare situation with different priorities. Providers may want to take a scientific approach in all instances to be able to diagnose and treat. Conversely patients may be motivated to seek healthcare only when they are symptoms may be very serious or interfere significantly with their activities of daily living, their work or social experiences.

I might ask if it’s possible to reconcile these opposing perspectives. Consider that it is our ethical responsibility to incorporate patient preferences into our practices. When invited patients and families will often offer their opinions and be more willing to participate in care. A few strategies to use to determine patient preferences:

• Ask patients or families what they think is causing their health problem and make certain to listen
• Validate what is being said: speak back what you heard
• Utilize effective communication strategies. This will build rapport and cultivate respect and trust. Make certain to consider nonverbal as well as verbal communication
• Discuss with your patients your sources of evidence or information. Consider providing the patient with evidence materials that they can read on their own.
• Ask your patient what their goals are with the treatment plan or for their preferences for treatment. Be willing to accept if patients have different views than you hold as the clinician