Shared Decision Making


CME credits available

Online Skills Course for Providers

Shared decision making is a key component of patient-centered care. It is the process in which clinicians and patients work together to make decisions and select tests, treatments, and care plans based on clinical evidence that balances risks and expected outcomes with patient preferences and values.

Today’s health systems realize that providers need the training to improve the shared decision making conversation. Prioritizing and implementing changes that matter most to patients and work best for providers doesn't have to be difficult when you have the right strategies and tools. The Shared Decision Making (SDM) Skills Course developed by Healthwise© is an online interactive program that uses the following six strategies to help you efficiently and effectively deliver a consistent approach to shared decision making:

  1. Invite the patient to participate
  2. Present options
  3. Provide information on the benefits and risks
  4. Assist patient in evaluating options based on their goals and concerns
  5. Facilitate deliberation and decision making
  6. Assist with implementation

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What is the Shared Decision Making Skills Course?

Organized around the Six Steps of SDM, the SDM Skills Course framework is based on both published research and practical wisdom from dozens of providers who have successfully implemented SDM with thousands of patients in their real-world clinical practice and research studies.

It’s available online—anytime, from anywhere—so providers don’t have to take time out of their busy schedules to attend in-person trainings. And the course focuses on the core competencies that build provider confidence in doing SDM effectively and efficiently.

The course uses a variety of strategies and techniques to build skills and confidence. These include exercises to assess common barriers and engage the learner through interactivity, instant feedback from a ‘virtual coach,’ and compelling video examples.

CME credit information

The AAFP has reviewed Shared Decision Making Online Skills Course for Providers and deemed it acceptable for up to 1.50 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 04/03/2023 to 04/03/2024. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA/AAFP Equivalency - Providers may choose to include the following in addition to the AAFP credit statement:
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.

For all AAFP credit equivalencies and recognition, please see the AAFP Credit System website.

Audience

Care Managers Nurses Primary Care Provider (Physician, ARNP, or PA)

Practice type

Primary Care

Resource type

Training Module Video

Publication date

Sponsoring organization

Washington State Health Care Authority