What is Collaborative Informed Decision Making?

Collaborative Informed Decision Making is centered around the principle that patients should be well-informed in order to make decisions regarding their care. This approach emphasizes active participation between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that patients understand their medical situation, options available, and the implications of those options.

By providing comprehensive information, healthcare providers empower patients to engage in discussions about their care, which leads to decisions that are aligned with the patients' values, preferences, and needs. This collaborative effort is fundamental in fostering a therapeutic relationship, ensuring that the decisions made are truly reflective of what the patient desires while considering their health condition and treatment possibilities.

This concept contrasts sharply with the idea that patients can make decisions without guidance from healthcare providers, as this could lead to misunderstandings or choices that may not be in their best interest. Similarly, a decision-making process that is entirely provider-led does not prioritize patient autonomy and may overlook important perspectives from the patient. Gathering information solely from family members also undermines the importance of the patient’s direct involvement in the decision-making process.