Shared Decision-Making (II): With Patients and Families

Abstract

Shared decision-making is a central component of patient-centered care in the intensive care unit. It is defined by the American College of Critical Care Medicine as “a collaborative process that allows patients, or their surrogates, and clinicians to make health care decisions together, taking into account the best scientific evidence available, as well as the patient’s values, goals, and preferences.” In this chapter, we attempt to demonstrate that involving patients and/or family members in shared decision-making in the ICU can be a challenging task. We also describe strategies to help clinicians improve incorporation of patients and/or families in decision-making processes.