Shared Decision-Making in Medicine: Why It Matters

When facing medical decisions, many of us have experienced a traditional model where doctors present recommendations and patients are expected to follow without much discussion. While expertise is vital, this one-sided approach often leaves people — including parents making decisions for their children — feeling unheard, powerless, or even traumatized.

That’s where shared decision-making comes in.

Shared decision-making is a collaborative process where providers and patients work together to make choices about care. Medical professionals contribute their expertise, while patients and families bring their lived experience, values, and preferences. Both voices matter equally in shaping the plan forward.

In my recent conversation with Nevus Outreach on the Medical Trauma Support Podcast, we explored how powerful this approach can be for families navigating rare medical conditions. Parents often find themselves in overwhelming situations, trying to balance medical recommendations with what feels right for their child. Shared decision-making helps by creating a partnership:

• Providers explain options in clear, accessible ways.

• Patients and parents ask questions and express concerns.

• Risks, benefits, and preferences are weighed together.

This process doesn’t just improve treatment outcomes — it can also reduce the risk of medical trauma. When patients feel respected and involved, they are more likely to trust their care team and feel safe in medical settings.

For parents and caregivers, this might look like asking your provider:

• “What are all the options available to us?”

• “Can you help me understand the risks and benefits in everyday terms?”

• “Here are my child’s fears and needs — how can we address those?”

By asking questions and sharing openly, you invite providers into true collaboration. And when providers embrace this model, they support not just the patient’s physical health, but their emotional safety as well.

Shared decision-making is more than a communication tool — it’s a trauma-informed practice that helps prevent future harm. It honors both medical knowledge and human experience, creating healthcare that is compassionate, safe, and healing.

If this blog resonated with you and you would like a free guide on shared decision-making in healthcare, you can sign up here.

At Medical Trauma Support, we believe every person deserves to feel like an equal partner in their care. Together, we can change the culture of medicine, one conversation at a time.