Notes on SDM from a Conference at Dartmouth

“Nothing about me, without me.” Valerie Billingham

Definition: Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process that allows patients and their providers to make health care decisions together, taking into account the best scientific evidence available, as well as the patient’s values and preferences.

DJE's notes from The Summer Institute for Informed Patient Choices, Hanover, NH, June 26-27, 2014.

Melanoma Survival Calculator

Two calculators can give you an idea of your prognosis.  You may wish to go over this with your physician as it can be scary.

Individualized Melanoma Prediction Tool.

Melanoma Conditional Outcome Calendar.

Caution:  When verifying the accuracy of the calculators the actual value may in fact vary between 14-18%. The accuracy is generally higher for the most common types and sizes of tumors, and lower for the rarer and the most advanced tumors.

Irotretinoin Option Grid

Isotretinoin (aka Accutane) is commonly used for severe acne because it is universally effective whereas other therapeutic options are less predictably successful.  However, many patients (or their parents) are frightened by anecdotal reports of bad side-effects they find about on the Internet.

ISOTRETINOIN OPTION GRID

What is Shared Decision Making?

Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process that allows patients and their providers to make health care decisions together, taking into account the best scientific evidence available, as well as the patient’s values and preferences.

SDM honors both the provider’s expert knowledge and the patient’s right to be fully informed of all care options and the potential harms and benefits. This process provides patients with the support they need to make the best individualized care decisions, while allowing providers to feel confident in the care they prescribe.

Helpful link.