Shared decision-making is a collaborative process that involves the patient, their family, and healthcare professionals. Nurses can support this process by:
- Facilitating Discussions: Encouraging open dialogue between the patient, their family, and the healthcare team ensures that all perspectives are considered. - Mediating Conflicts: Nurses can help mediate conflicts that arise between the patient and their family or within the healthcare team, ensuring that the patient's preferences are respected. - Utilizing Decision Aids: Tools such as decision aids can help patients weigh the pros and cons of different treatment options, making the decision-making process more structured and transparent. - Advocacy: Nurses often serve as advocates for their patients, ensuring that their wishes are communicated and respected within the healthcare team.
