Shared Decision Making: Making decisions together with patients
The diagnostic phase and treatment of cancer are challenging for communication between patients and doctors. Patients often want more detailed information about their disease and to be more involved in treatment decisions. This is where shared decision making (SDM) comes in.
At the NCT Heidelberg, as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the first training course on SDM took place on March 27 and 28, led by Christiane Bieber, senior physician at the Clinic for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics at the University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD) and an expert in the doctor-patient relationship. UKHD physicians and cooperating partners took part in the training over two afternoons. The focus was on the practical implementation steps of SDM and the basics of good conversation management. The seminar participants used best-practice videos, practical exercises, role plays and group discussions.
The strong patient involvement makes the format unique in Germany. The concept was developed in close cooperation with the NCT Heidelberg's patient advisory board. Imke Veit-Schirmer, spokesperson for the patient advisory board and representative of the patients, also took part in the workshop itself. She says: “An essential aspect of shared decision-making is to show a patient the various options for cancer treatment, with all their advantages and disadvantages, risks and side effects, in order to find the right approach for that person together.”
The participants gave a very positive assessment of the SDM kick-off workshop's structure and content. They often stated that this training is essential for a more patient-centered approach to care. Christiane Bieber summarized: “I am very pleased with the successful kick-off. We had a stimulating exchange in the group and were able to work intensively on individual communication strategies. The interdisciplinary composition of the group was a great asset.” The SDM training will be offered again in May for physicians in advanced training.
Further dates and contact details for registration:
Fri. 16.5. and Fri 23.5. from 1 to 5 pm.
Shared Decision Making: Making decisions together with patients
The diagnostic phase and treatment of cancer are challenging for communication between patients and doctors. Patients often want more detailed information about their disease and to be more involved in treatment decisions. This is where shared decision making (SDM) comes in.
At the NCT Heidelberg, as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the first training course on SDM took place on March 27 and 28, led by Christiane Bieber, senior physician at the Clinic for General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics at the University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD) and an expert in the doctor-patient relationship. UKHD physicians and cooperating partners took part in the training over two afternoons. The focus was on the practical implementation steps of SDM and the basics of good conversation management. The seminar participants used best-practice videos, practical exercises, role plays and group discussions.
The strong patient involvement makes the format unique in Germany. The concept was developed in close cooperation with the NCT Heidelberg's patient advisory board. Imke Veit-Schirmer, spokesperson for the patient advisory board and representative of the patients, also took part in the workshop itself. She says: “An essential aspect of shared decision-making is to show a patient the various options for cancer treatment, with all their advantages and disadvantages, risks and side effects, in order to find the right approach for that person together.”
The participants gave a very positive assessment of the SDM kick-off workshop's structure and content. They often stated that this training is essential for a more patient-centered approach to care. Christiane Bieber summarized: “I am very pleased with the successful kick-off. We had a stimulating exchange in the group and were able to work intensively on individual communication strategies. The interdisciplinary composition of the group was a great asset.” The SDM training will be offered again in May for physicians in advanced training.
Further dates and contact details for registration:
Fri. 16.5. and Fri 23.5. from 1 to 5 pm.