Patient Preferences and Decision-Making

Patient Preferences and Decision-Making

In a recent clinical experience, I encountered a middle-aged patient presenting with symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a mental health nurse practitioner, understanding the patient’s unique circumstances is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. The patient’s preferences, social determinants of health, and values played pivotal roles in shaping the outcome of their treatment. Not incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values could have led to a less effective and patient-centered treatment plan. For instance, the patient expressed a strong preference for non-pharmacological interventions due to concerns about the potential side effects of medications. Ignoring this preference led to non-compliance and hindered the therapeutic alliance.

Subsequently, considering social determinants of health, it became evident that the patient’s financial constraints limited access to certain therapeutic resources. This information influenced the decision to explore affordable community-based support programs that align with the patient’s financial capabilities (Swift et al., 2021). Furthermore, understanding the patient’s values, such as the importance of family support and cultural beliefs, guided the incorporation of family therapy and culturally sensitive interventions into the treatment plan. This holistic approach contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs (Swift et al., 2021).

Incorporating patient preferences, social determinants of health, and values positively impacted the trajectory of the situation. The treatment plan aligned with the patient’s individual needs and circumstances, fostering a sense of collaboration and empowerment (Polman & Wu, 2020). Consistently, a patient decision aid, such as the one available through the Walden University resource on Social Determinants of Health, could have further enhanced the decision-making process. This aid provides valuable information on how social factors impact health outcomes, allowing both the patient and the mental health nurse practitioner to make informed decisions based on a broader perspective (Walden University. (n.d.). Integrating such tools into professional practice can promote patient autonomy, shared decision-making, and better health outcomes. Further, in my personal life, I could use decision aids to make informed choices about my health and well-being. This approach aligns with the principles of patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of considering individual preferences, social context, and values in decision-making processes.

References

Polman, E., & Wu, K. (2020). Decision making for others involving risk: A review and meta-analysis. Journal of Economic Psychology, 77, 102184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2019.06.007

Swift, J. K., Mullins, R. H., Penix, E. A., Roth, K. L., & Trusty, W. T. (2021). The importance of listening to patient preferences when making mental health care decisions. World Psychiatry, 20(3), 316. https://doi.org/10.1002%2Fwps.20912

Walden University. (n.d.). Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/Library/

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Changes in culture and technology have resulted in patient populations that are often well-informed and educated, even before consulting or considering a healthcare need delivered by a health professional. Fueled by this, health professionals are increasingly involving patients in treatment decisions. However, this often comes with challenges, as illnesses and treatments can become complex.

Patient Preferences and Decision-Making

What has your experience been with patient involvement in treatment or healthcare decisions?

In this Discussion, you will share your experiences and consider the impact of patient involvement (or lack of involvement). You will also consider the use of a patient decision aid to inform best practices for patient care and healthcare decision-making.