Shared decision-making (SDM) in atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a collaborative process in which clinicians, patients, and caregivers work together to choose treatment options. Decisions are guided by clinical evidence, potential risks and benefits, and the patient’s values, goals, and lifestyle preferences.
What Is Shared Decision Making?
Managing a condition like atrial fibrillation, or AFib, may feel overwhelming, but shared decision making can help.
Shared decision making is when you and your healthcare provider work together to make choices about your treatment that support your health goals while taking your preferences and lifestyle into consideration.
Family members and caregivers can also play an important role in shared decision making.
Shared decision making helps you make healthcare decisions by considering medical evidence, the care team’s knowledge and experience, as well as your values, goals, and preferences. It should happen continuously throughout your care.
As an active participant in your care, you can better understand your condition and your treatment while knowing that your questions and concerns are heard.
Patients who participate in shared decision making often experience higher satisfaction with their care and are more likely to follow through with their treatment plan, leading to better outcomes.
Tools to Support Shared Decision Making
Some care teams may use specialized tools to help patients and providers work together.
The Heart Rhythm Society offers a Question Builder tool that patients and caregivers can use to prepare for AFib appointments.
This tool offers sample questions to ask your provider and allows you to create your own questions prior to your next visit.
To access the Question Builder, visit upbeat.org/question-builder.
Your Voice Matters
Whether you are discussing treatment options for AFib or any other health condition, your voice matters.
Ask questions, share your concerns, and work together with your healthcare team to make decisions that are right for you.
To find out more or locate a specialist in your area, visit UpBeat.org.