Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Cardiothoracic Surgery

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About Shared Decision Making

Shared decision making is the collaboration between patients and caregivers to come to an agreement about a healthcare decision. It is especially useful when there is no clear "best" treatment option.

The caregiver offers the patient information that will help him or her:

  • Understand the likely outcomes of various options
  • Think about what is personally important about the risks and benefits of each option
  • Participate in decisions about medical care

The Center for Shared Decision Making at DHMC is the first patient-focused facility of its kind in the United States.

Decision Aid Library resources