In today's healthcare landscape, shared decision-making (SDM) has emerged as a cornerstone of patient-centered care. It involves collaboration between healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions that align with the patient's values and preferences. Despite its importance, SDM is not yet a routine practice in many clinical settings. To address this gap, a comprehensive SDM curriculum called "Ready for SDM" was developed in Norway.
The "Ready for SDM" Program
The "Ready for SDM" program is designed to equip healthcare providers with the necessary skills to implement SDM effectively. This curriculum includes various modules tailored to different healthcare settings and competence levels. A key component of this initiative is the train-the-trainer (TTT) program, which aims to prepare healthcare providers to deliver SDM training within their institutions.
Train-the-Trainer Program Overview
The TTT program consists of a one-day basic course followed by a two-day advanced course. The basic course covers lectures on SDM principles, group exercises, and reflections. The advanced course includes observer training where participants learn to assess consultations using expert criteria.
- Basic Course: Focuses on foundational knowledge of SDM.
- Advanced Course: Develops skills in evaluating patient involvement and planning SDM training implementation.
Outcomes of the TTT Program
The TTT program's evaluation was based on Kirkpatrick's Model of Educational Outcomes, focusing on reaction, learning, and behavior changes among participants.
Reaction and Learning
The basic course received high marks for acceptability, while the advanced course was seen as complex but beneficial. Participants reported increased confidence in becoming SDM trainers and achieved high knowledge scores.
Behavioral Changes
The program successfully facilitated large-scale training efforts. Within three months post-training, 67% of participants conducted more than two trainings each, reaching 458 healthcare providers.
The Importance of Further Research
The findings from the TTT program suggest that it is a feasible approach for supporting widespread SDM training. However, further research is needed to explore the efficacy of these trainings within a comprehensive strategy for implementing SDM across clinical practices.
Encouraging Practitioners to Enhance Their Skills
If you are a practitioner looking to improve your skills in patient-centered care, consider exploring SDM training programs like "Ready for SDM." Such programs not only enhance your ability to engage patients in decision-making but also contribute to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
