Patient Preferences And Decision Making Changes In Culture ✓ Solved

Patient Preferences And Decision Makingchanges In Culture And Technolo

Changes in culture and technology have resulted in patient populations that are often well informed and educated, even before consulting or considering a healthcare need delivered by a health professional. Fueled by this, health professionals are increasingly involving patients in treatment decisions. However, this often comes with challenges, as illnesses and treatments can become complex. What has your experience been with patient involvement in treatment or healthcare decisions? In this discussion, you will share your experiences and consider the impact of patient involvement (or lack of involvement).

You will also consider the use of a patient decision aid to inform best practices for patient care and healthcare decision making. To prepare: Review the resources and reflect on a time when you experienced a patient being brought into (or not being brought into) a decision regarding their treatment plan. Review the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s Decision Aids Inventory at Choose “For Specific Conditions,” then browse an alphabetical listing of decision aids by health topic. Note: To ensure compliance with HIPAA rules, please do not use the patient’s real name or any information that might identify the patient or organization/practice.

By Day 3 of Week 8, post a brief description of the situation you experienced and explain how incorporating or not incorporating patient preferences and values impacted the outcome of their treatment plan. Be specific and provide examples. Then, explain how including patient preferences and values might impact the trajectory of the situation and how these were reflected in the treatment plan. Finally, explain the value of the patient decision aid you selected and how it might contribute to effective decision making, both in general and in the experience you described. Describe how you might use this decision aid inventory in your professional practice or personal life.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In contemporary healthcare, the shift towards patient-centered care emphasizes the importance of involving patients in decisions about their treatment. This approach respects patients’ preferences, values, and social contexts, ultimately leading to improved satisfaction and better health outcomes. This paper recounts a personal experience where patient involvement in decision-making influenced treatment planning, explores the implications of including or excluding patient preferences, and discusses the accessibility and utility of patient decision aids in clinical practice.

Personal Experience with Patient Involvement

During my clinical rotation in a primary care setting, I observed a scenario involving a middle-aged patient diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The healthcare provider initially recommended a standard medication regimen without thoroughly discussing the patient's lifestyle, preferences, or concerns. The patient appeared hesitant but did not voice specific reservations due to uncertainty about treatment implications. Recognizing this, the provider re-engaged the patient, utilizing a decision aid—an evidence-based brochure from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute—to facilitate understanding of treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medication, and potential side effects. Incorporating the patient’s values—prioritizing quality of life and minimal medication burden—led to a tailored plan that emphasized lifestyle interventions with cautious use of medication.

Impact of Including Patient Preferences

When patient preferences are actively incorporated into treatment planning, the potential for enhanced adherence and satisfaction increases significantly. In the observed case, understanding the patient’s desire to avoid complex medication regimens allowed the provider to adopt a more conservative approach, which the patient accepted more willingly. Conversely, if the healthcare provider had ignored these preferences, the patient might have been less compliant, potentially leading to poorer glycemic control and increased risk of complications. Personalized plans aligned with patient values foster trust and shared responsibility, contributing to better health outcomes.

The Role of Patient Decision Aids

Patient decision aids serve as valuable tools that enhance patient understanding and support shared decision-making. They present balanced information about options and help clarify patients’ values. In this context, the decision aid used was effective because it provided visual and simplified information, accessible regardless of health literacy levels. Such aids ensure patients are better informed and can participate meaningfully in decisions regarding their treatment. Research indicates that decision aids increase patient knowledge, create more accurate expectations, and reduce decisional conflict (Stacey et al., 2017).

Application in Professional and Personal Practice

In my future practice, I plan to incorporate decision aids routinely, especially in complex or preference-sensitive decisions. By integrating tools like those from the Ottawa Institute, I can ensure patients are active partners in their care, leading to more ethical and effective outcomes. Additionally, understanding how to select appropriate aids and facilitate their use will empower patients and foster trust. Even outside formal clinical settings, decision aids can help individuals make health choices aligned with their values and circumstances.

Conclusion

Patient involvement in healthcare decisions is crucial for delivering tailored and effective care. My experience underscored the importance of respecting patient preferences and utilizing decision aids to enhance understanding and participation. Moving forward, embracing these tools and approaches can improve patient satisfaction, adherence, and health outcomes. As technology advances, the development and dissemination of accessible decision aids will be vital in advancing patient-centered healthcare.

References

• Stacey, D., Légaré, F., Lewis, K., et al. (2017). Decision aids for people facing health treatment or screening decisions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD001431.
• Oregon Health & Science University. (2020). Patient Decision Aids Inventory. Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. https://decisionaid.ohri.ca
• Elwyn, G., Frosch, D., Thomson, R., et al. (2012). Shared decision making: a model for clinical practice. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 27(10), 1361-1367.
• Barry, M. J., & Edgman-Levitan, S. (2012). Shared decision making—the pinnacle of patient-centered care. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(9), 780-781.
• Feldman-Stewart, D., Brundage, M., & Israelski, D. (2009). Strategy for implementing decision aids in clinical practice. Oncology, 23(4), 221-227.