Intro

This chapter explores the significance of engaging patients in their clinical care through shared decision making. It examines the challenges of choice overload and offers strategies for improving patient communication and expectation management.

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Episode notes

Shared decision making appears in almost every clinical guideline — but in the real world of clinical practice, how often do we actually do it well?

In this episode of Clinical Communication, Ben is joined by David Alderson, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University and Specialist First Contact Physiotherapist, whose specialist interest is shared decision making during consultations. They explore how clinicians can genuinely share decisions with patients. From practical strategies to common pitfalls, andinsights that can help you make consultations more collaborative and patient centred.

They cover:

(00:00) Intro

(01:18) The choice dilemma in shared decision making

(05:06) The “Mum Test” for shared decision making

(06:46) Are clinicians doing as much shared decision making as they claim?

(07:58) How the ICE questions guide shared decision making conversations

(15:23) How to manage expectations when they can’t be met

(16:28) What to do when many management options exist

(19:07) How to spot and manage your own biases in shared decision making

(23:08) When to mention doing nothing as an option

(25:40) Are clinicians willing to do nothing?

(28:11) How to use stats without steering the patient’s decision