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Intended for Healthcare Professionals
British Journal of General Practice

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ORIGINAL PAPERS

Shared decision making and risk communication in practice

A qualitative study of GPs' experiences

Adrian Edwards, Glyn Elwyn, Fiona Wood, Christine Atwell, Lindsay Prior and Helen Houston
British Journal of General Practice 2005; 55 (510): 6-13.
Adrian Edwards
Department of Primary Care, Swansea Clinical School, University of Wales Swansea, Swansea
PhD, MRCGP
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Glyn Elwyn
PhD, FRCGP
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Fiona Wood
PhD
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Christine Atwell
MA
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Lindsay Prior
MD, FRCGP
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Helen Houston
PhD
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Abstract

Background

Important barriers to the wider implementation of shared decision making remain. The experiences of professionals who are skilled in this approach may identify how to overcome these barriers.

Aims

To identify the experiences and views of professionals skilled in shared decision making and risk communication, exploring the opportunities and challenges for implementation.

Design of study

Qualitative study.

Setting

Gwent Health Authority.

Method

Exit interviews using focus group methodology with 20 GPs who had been in practice between 1 and 10 years, and participated in an explanatory trial lasting 6 months. The trial interventions comprised training in shared decision-making skills and the use of risk communication materials. The doctors consulted with up to 48 patients each (mean = 40, half of them audiotaped) for the study.

Results

The GPs indicated positive attitudes towards involving patients and described positive effects on their consultations. However, the frequency of applying the new skills and tools was limited outside the trial. Doctors were selective about when they felt greater patient involvement was appropriate and feasible, rather than seeking to apply the approaches to the majority of consultations. They felt they often responded to consumer preferences for low levels of involvement in decision making. Time limitations were important in not implementing the approach more widely.

Conclusion

The promotion of ‘patient involvement’ appears likely to continue. Professionals appear receptive to this, and willing to acquire the relevant skills. Strategies for wider implementation of patient involvement could address how consultations are scheduled in primary care, and raise consumers' expectations or desires for involvement.

  • risk communication
  • shared decision making
  • training
  • Received December 8, 2003.
  • Revision received December 23, 2003.
  • Accepted April 30, 2004.
  • © British Journal of General Practice, 2004.
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British Journal of General Practice: 55 (510)
British Journal of General Practice
Vol. 55, Issue 510
January 2005
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Shared decision making and risk communication in practice
Adrian Edwards, Glyn Elwyn, Fiona Wood, Christine Atwell, Lindsay Prior, Helen Houston
British Journal of General Practice 2005; 55 (510): 6-13.

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Shared decision making and risk communication in practice
Adrian Edwards, Glyn Elwyn, Fiona Wood, Christine Atwell, Lindsay Prior, Helen Houston
British Journal of General Practice 2005; 55 (510): 6-13.
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Keywords

  • risk communication
  • shared decision making
  • training

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Print ISSN: 0960-1643
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