Decision making in healthcare is moving towards a shared decision making model rather than a paternalistic approach.

Paternalistic decisions are when the provider makes the decision for the patient. This is the way most clinicians informed patients in the past.

Another method of decision making is called informed decision making. This is when a clinician provides information and the patient makes the decision. While this is a step in the right direction, there is an even better approach and it is called shared decision making.

Shared decision making is a two way dialogue between the patient and the medical provider. The clinician shares information about the medical condition as well as the risks and benefits of various diagnostic and treatment options. Her/she works with the patient and family to make mutual decisions based on the patient’s preferences.

When we combine evidence-based practice with patient centered communication we get optimal care.

At Hey Clinic, we practice shared decision making, placing a high level of importance on patient and family preferences.

If you want to learn more about how this method is used when discussing curve progression with clinic patients, Dr. Hey has published an article Sharing the Truth of Scoliosis Curve Progression Risk with Patients and Families Using a Colorized Natural History Graph Handout – A Quality Improvement Shared Decision-Making Case Report from a Pediatric and Adult Scoliosis Clinic.