Removing barriers to shared decision-making (April 2023)

Summary

The Patient Information Forum (PIF) and the Patients Association have published a report setting out simple steps to remove barriers to shared decision making. The aim is to help patients and healthcare professionals make the most of short appointment times.

The report, Removing barriers to shared decision-making, is based on a co-production project which ran throughout 2022 in the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board. They worked with the My Life Choices lived experience panel, healthcare professionals and the personalised care team to develop resources to support shared decision making for people experiencing joint pain (musculoskeletal conditions).  Most of the findings can be applied to shared decision-making in general. 

This report outlines key findings and recommendations. It also shares the co-produced resources developed throughout the project.

Content

The findings of this work have resulted in a set of recommendations for national action:

1. It’s OK to Ask – A national campaign should support patients to know ‘It’s OK to Ask’ questions during appointments and prepare questions before appointments.

2. My Planned Care – Non-judgemental information should be co-produced nationally to help people on waiting lists prepare mentally and physically for surgery. This information should be provided in plain language and accessible formats, and added to My Planned Care.

3. About Me – About Me information lets healthcare professionals see at a glance what it is important to patients and supports shared decision making conversations. It should be added to the NHS App and linked to the shared care record.

4. Shared care records – Shared care records need to be implemented without further delay to support shared decision making and patient safety across complex care pathways.

5. Navigating the system – ICBs need to provide a clear description of care pathways in MSK and other conditions and provide consistent information and support to embed shared decision making.