Shared decision-making (SDM) is a process by which clinicians and patients work together to make treatment decisions based on clinical evidence that balances risks and expected outcomes with patient preferences and values. SDM is a process where you and your health care team work together to make decisions about your care and treatment. Your decision should be made through thoughtful consideration and discussion around the following:
- Your life goals and personal preferences and how they are affected by your bleeding disorder
- The therapies that are available to you
- Information for each therapy available
- Information about future treatments that are being researched
SDM is a process that includes multiple steps to gather information to help make decisions:
- Reflect on your life goals and your current treatment
- Learn about treatment options
- Compare treatment options
- Have conversations with your family and friends
- Prepare for visits with your health care providers
- Have an open and meaningful conversation with your health care team
- Take time to consider your options
- Meet with your health care team to make or confirm a decision about your treatment
The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) has launched the WFH Shared Decision-Making Tool for hemophilia treatment! The WFH SDM Tool is an interactive decision-support system created to enable discussions regarding treatment options between people with hemophilia (PWH) A or B, caregivers, and their health care team. The tool helps PWH determine their treatment goals and preferences, provides balanced education by type of treatment, and helps to navigate the challenges of current treatment options. These discussions will lead to more informed decision-making, and better health outcomes.