Patient shared decision making (PSDM) is a technique to incorporate patients’ needs and preferences into their individual treatment plans. PSDM goes beyond traditional informed consent in healthcare—it is an interpersonal, interdependent process in which healthcare providers and patients collaborate to make decisions about the care that patients receive. Shared decision making not only reflects medical evidence and providers’ clinical expertise, but also the unique preferences and values of patients and their families. This report describes patient shared decision making and reviews the evidence supporting its use. Existing challenges and strategies to expand the use of PSDM are also discussed.
