Helping people share decision making A review of evidence considering whether shared decision making is worthwhile

Together with Helping people help themselves, the Health Foundation’s May 2011 review of the evidence on supporting self-management, this report provides an up-to-date single reference point for the current state of knowledge about shared decision making.

In drawing together the evidence on shared decision making, and whether it can improve patient outcomes or lead to a more effective allocation of resources, the report highlights gaps in current knowledge. It finds that there is no common definition of shared decision making, creating significant challenges in understanding and replicating benefits and drawing conclusions across multiple studies.

We hope that this report will provide valuable insight for those interested in shared decision making.