Shared decision-making: summary of NICE guidance

Abstract

### What you need to know Shared decision-making is widely accepted as a core feature of good healthcare. Principle 4 of the NHS constitution states that “Patients, with their families and carers, where appropriate, will be involved in and consulted on all decisions about their care and treatment.”1 Because most NHS practitioners and commissioners acknowledge that this involvement and consultation is not always offered, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) was asked to produce guidance about facilitating shared decision-making and embedding it in everyday practice. For the purposes of the guideline, shared decision-making was defined as “a collaborative process that involves a person and their healthcare professional working together to reach a joint decision about care.” This article summarises the recommendations from the NICE guideline.2 NICE recommendations are based on systematic reviews of best available evidence. When minimal evidence is available, recommendations are based on the Guideline Committee’s experience and opinion of what constitutes good practice. Evidence levels for the recommendations are given in italic in square brackets. ### Embedding shared decision-making at an organisational level Shared decision-making is more likely to become standard practice in organisations when it is led from the highest levels of the organisation. This can drive systematic planning and implementation of shared decision-making across the organisation. A dual approach is needed, promoting shared decision-making to people who …

Topics & Concepts