Using Shared Decision-Making Tools: Are They Worth It?

Authors:
Ashley H. Meredith, PharmD, MPH, BCACP, BCPS, CDCES
Chandler Howell, PharmD

Reviewers:
Meagan Brown, PharmD, BCACP
Jennifer Pruschowski, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, CPE

CITATION: Kunneman M, Branda ME, Hargraves IG, et al. Assessment of Shared Decision-making for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2020; 180 (9): 1-10.

The Problem

There’s no denying that shared decision making (SDM) is an effective communication approach for making patient-centered medical decisions across a variety of health conditions.¹ However, while tools for SDM are often useful during patient visits with practitioners,¹ studies have yielded mixed results with regard to patient outcomes.^2,3 Providers’ perceptions of SDM tools are that they are hard to integrate into their workflow and they worry they will lead to longer patient encounters.⁴ Despite this, the American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), and Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) all recommend the use of shared-decision making when selecting anticoagulation therapy for people with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk of stroke.⁵