Physicians' perceptions of shared decision-making behaviours: a qualitative study demonstrating the continued chasm between aspirations and clinical practice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Shared Decision Making (SDM) is a process of engaging patients in health decisions that involve multiple medically appropriate treatment options. Despite growing public and policy support for patient engagement in health decisions, SDM is not widely practiced in clinical settings.

Objective

The purpose of our study was to explore clinicians' attitudes, beliefs and perceived social norms about engaging in SDM behaviours.

Design

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with physicians in five practice areas.

Setting and participants

This study was conducted at an academic medical centre in St. Louis, MO. The final sample included 20 physicians: five surgeons, five OB/GYNs, four medical oncologists, five internists and one emergency medicin

SUBMITTER: Zeuner R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5810629 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature