title: Shared decision-making in epilepsy management.
abstract: Policy makers, clinicians, and patients increasingly recognize the need for greater patient involvement in clinical decision-making. Shared decision-making helps address these concerns by providing a framework for clinicians and patients to make decisions together using the best evidence. Shared decision-making is applicable to situations where several acceptable options exist (clinical equipoise). Such situations occur commonly in epilepsy, for example, in decisions regarding the choice of medication, treatment in pregnancy, and medication withdrawal. A talk model is a way of implementing shared decision-making during consultations, and decision aids are useful tools to assist in the process. Although there is limited evidence available for shared decision-making in epilepsy, there are several benefits of shared decision-making in general including improved decision quality, more informed choices, and better treatment concordance.
authors: Welsh Epilepsy Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK; Neurology and Molecular Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK. Electronic address: w.o.pickrell@swansea.ac.uk.
authors: W O
authors: WO
authors: Pickrell
authors: The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, USA.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Elwyn
authors: Welsh Epilepsy Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors: P E M
authors: PE
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019468:Disease Management; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation
keywords: Decision aids; Epilepsy; Shared decision-making