Promoting Value in Health Care: The Evolving Role of Shared Decision Making

At its core, shared decision making (SDM) is grounded in the belief that patients have a fundamental right to understand all the medical options available to them, along with the risks and benefits associated with those options. It further implies that patients have a right to participate fully with their providers in the process of discussing these options and in making medical decisions about their care. In today's resource-constrained and cost-conscious world—where transparency and patient engagement are increasingly at the forefront of value and cost conversations—SDM represents an important activity that health plan sponsors in particular hope providers and patients can rally around. SDM has the potential to drive timely and appropriate care; help patients become more active in their own care and recovery; and reduce unwarranted (costly) interventions.