Informing And Involving Patients To Improve The Quality Of Medical Decisions

Good-quality care requires that procedures, treatments, and tests be not only medically appropriate, but also desired by informed patients. Current evidence shows that most medical decisions are made by physicians with little input from patients. This article describes issues surrounding informed pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health Affairs 2011-04, Vol.30 (4), p.699-706
Main Authors: Fowler, Floyd J., Levin, Carrie A., Sepucha, Karen R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Cholesterol
Decision making
Health care
Heart attacks
Information technology
Medical screening
Patients
Physician patient relationships
Physicians
Quality of care
Statins
Studies
Surgery
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Summary:Good-quality care requires that procedures, treatments, and tests be not only medically appropriate, but also desired by informed patients. Current evidence shows that most medical decisions are made by physicians with little input from patients. This article describes issues surrounding informed patient decision making and the steps necessary to improve the way decisions are made. Creating incentives for providers and health care organizations to inform patients and incorporate patients' goals into decisions is critical. Patient surveys are needed to monitor the quality of decision making. Health information technology can help by collecting information from patients about their symptoms, how well they understand their options, and what is important to them, and sharing that information with providers. We review public and private developments that could facilitate the development of tools and methods to improve patient-centered care. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0278-2715
1544-5208
DOI:10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0003