What makes a patient ready for Shared Decision Making? A qualitative study

Abstract Objectives Shared decision making (SDM) requires an active role from patients, which might be difficult for some. We aimed to identify what patients need ready (i.e., well-equipped and enabled) participate in SDM about treatment, patient- decision-related characteristics may influence readiness. Methods conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals (physicians, nurses, general practitioners, researchers). Interviews were analyzed inductively. Results identified five elements of patient readiness: 1) understanding attitude towards SDM, 2) health literacy, 3) skills communicating claiming space, 4) self-awareness, 5) consideration skills. 10 that age, cultural background, educational close relationships, mental illness, 6) emotional distress, 7) acceptance diagnosis, 8) clinician-patient relationship, 9) type, 10) time. Conclusions a wide range constitute readiness SDM. Readiness vary between within patients. This variation result differences characteristics. Practice implications Clinicians should aware not all at given moment support enhance their