Definition
A decision aid is a tool designed to facilitate the process of shared decision-making between patients and physicians. Decision aids have typically been developed for preference sensitive health decisions where the patient’s preferences and values are critical for identifying how best to proceed. A decision aid aims to clarify the choice that has to be made and provide understandable information about treatment options, including the likely benefits and harms of each option. Also, it helps to clarify personal values of the patient, often through the use of value clarification exercises, and supports patients to make well-informed decisions that align with their personal preferences and values. As an adjunct to clinical consultation, decision aids can be used prior to, during (“encounter tools”), and/or after the physician consultation. The format of decision aids ranges from paper-based...
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References and Further Reading
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ter Stege, J.A., Sherman, K.A. (2019). Decision Aid. In: Gellman, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6439-6_101998-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6439-6_101998-1
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