Peer Responses to Enhancing Patient Care- The Role of Decision Aids and Informed Patient Choices
Responding to Kimberly Denise Handlin-Rowell
Hello,
Thank you for your post. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with assisting patients who struggle to afford their medications. It’s admirable how you have gone above and beyond to research medication assistance programs and discount cards to help patients access the treatments they need. Making medications more affordable can truly be life-changing, as you illustrated through the examples of the Parkinson’s patient and diabetic patient getting access to more effective medications. It’s unfortunate that so many patients face financial barriers to following prescribed treatment plans. You make an excellent point that social determinants of health, like socioeconomic status, play a huge role in medication compliance. As nurses, advocating for patients and helping them navigate resources to afford medications is valuable (Flaubert et al., 2021; Nsiah et al., 2019). It’s wonderful to hear how rewarding this work has been for you over your 18-year career and how you’ve been able to pay it forward and assist your mother as well. Being able to manage chronic illnesses appropriately is so important for quality of life.
In situations like the ones you described, patient decision aids could serve as valuable tools. These aids provide patients with information about different treatment options, potential outcomes, and associated risks and benefits. By empowering patients with knowledge, decision aids facilitate shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. This collaborative approach can lead to more informed choices aligned with patients’ values and preferences, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Overall, I appreciate you sharing how medication access has reduced dependence, mood swings, high blood sugar, and improved well-being. Clearly, you have a big heart for patients and are making a real difference through your advocacy and resourcefulness. Keep up the great work!
References
Flaubert, J. L., Menestrel, S. L., Williams, D. R., & Wakefield, M. K. (2021, May 11). The role of nurses in improving health care access and quality. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573910/
Nsiah, C., Siakwa, M., & Ninnoni, J. P. K. (2019). Registered Nurses’ Description of Patient Advocacy in the Clinical Setting. Nursing Open, 6(3), 1124–1132. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.307
Responding to Brian Nyangoso
Hello,
This is a great post. Your reflection on the influence of patient preferences on treatment plans is insightful. Indeed, socioeconomic factors can significantly affect patients’ ability to adhere to treatment regimens, but as you rightly pointed out, patient preferences extend beyond financial constraints. It’s crucial to recognize that patients bring their own values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds into their healthcare decisions, which can sometimes diverge from clinical recommendations or available discount programs.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge that patient involvement in decision-making isn’t always straightforward. While collaborative decision-making is ideal, some patients may struggle to articulate their preferences or may defer decision-making to healthcare professionals due to perceived authority or lack of understanding(Noyes, 2021). Additionally, cultural and language barriers can further complicate effective communication and shared decision-making processes.
Regarding patient decision aids, while they can be valuable tools in facilitating informed decision-making, their effectiveness may vary depending on factors such as health literacy, language proficiency, and accessibility (Muscat et al., 2021). Therefore, while decision aids can contribute to effective decision-making, they should be used in conjunction with patient-provider communication and tailored to individual patient needs to maximize their impact. Overall, incorporating patient preferences into treatment planning requires sensitivity to individual differences, effective communication, and a commitment to patient-centered care.
References
Muscat, D. M., Smith, J., Mac, O., Cadet, T., Giguere, A., Housten, A. J., Langford, A. T., Smith, S., Durand, M.-A., & McCaffery, K. (2021). Addressing Health Literacy in Patient Decision Aids: An Update from the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. Medical Decision Making, 41(7), 0272989X2110111. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272989×211011101
Noyes, A. L. (2021). Navigating the hierarchy: Communicating power relationships in collaborative health care groups. Management Communication Quarterly, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/08933189211025737
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Question 
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.
Peer Responses to Enhancing Patient Care- The Role of Decision Aids and Informed Patient Choices
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.