What is shared decision making in care planning?

• A. Clinician and patient collaborate to choose options that align with patient values and preferences.
• B. Decisions are based only on guidelines with no patient input.
• C. Clinician makes all decisions without patient input.
• D. Patient makes decisions without clinician input.

Answer: (A)

Shared decision making in care planning means clinicians and patients work together to choose options that fit the patient’s values, preferences, and life circumstances. It involves presenting the available choices and their risks and benefits in clear terms, exploring what matters most to the patient (such as quality of life, goals, and tolerance for uncertainty), and jointly deciding on a plan. This approach blends professional expertise with the patient’s own priorities, rather than having the clinician decide alone or the patient decide without guidance. By aligning the care plan with what matters to the patient, it tends to improve satisfaction, adherence, and outcomes.