Reference no: EM133728964

Question

Patient preferences are influenced by personal experiences, values, and beliefs, and healthcare professionals must collaborate to make informed decisions. A patient, N.L., was managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus and was given various treatment options without considering her social determinants of health (SDOH). This led to a generic treatment plan that did not align with her specific needs. The patient's socioeconomic status, education level, and community resources were not considered, resulting in a generic treatment plan. To address these issues, a patient decision aid was developed, providing detailed information about treatment modalities, consequences, and strategies for overcoming socioeconomic obstacles. This aid facilitated a more informed dialogue between N.L. and the healthcare team, highlighting the interplay between her preferences, SDOH, and the viability of adopting lifestyle changes. Using a decision-aid inventory, such as the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, can help ensure a thorough and patient-centric approach to healthcare decision-making.