Safety in surgery: the role of shared decision-making

The only surgery without risk of complications is the one not performed. Shared decision-making (SDM) offers a process which can help a physician and patient move beyond passive informed consent to a more collaborative, patient-centered experience. By offering a balanced review of conservative and invasive treatment options, including the option of observation only, SDM provides patients an opportunity to express their personal values and goals in the context of health decisions. Thus, when the patient decides to accept the inherent risks of surgery, there has truly been an opportunity to understand and discuss all treatment alternatives.