Definition

In medicine, a process in which both the patient and health care professional work together to decide the best plan of care for the patient. When making a shared decision, the patient’s values, goals, and concerns are considered. Shared decision making helps patients learn more about their health condition, the different testing and treatment options that may be available, and the possible risks and benefits of each option. It is often used when important medical decisions need to be made, such as about having a genetic test or cancer screening test, having major surgery, or taking a medicine over a long time.