Decision Making in Health Care: “If Only I’d Known then What I Know Now”

The chapter provides an in-depth exploration of medical decision making (MDM)Medical Decision Making (MDM), provides a review of the evolution of shared decision makingDecision making(SDM)Shared Decision Making (SDM) from its origins grounded in the early 20th-century concept ofInformed consent informed consent to its current status. Among the many complexities surrounding SDMShared Decision Making (SDM)implementationImplementation, particular attentionAttention is given to the key actors ofShared Decision Making (SDM) SDM—patients and physicians. The same complexities are also considered in the light of new technological advances powered by artificial intelligence, which offers immense opportunities but also presents numerous challenges. Using empirical evidence, the chapter offers the analysis of power dynamics characteristic to MDMMedical Decision Making (MDM) and the fluid nature of SDMShared Decision Making (SDM), discusses different ways of SDM implementationImplementation and the need for more developed approach to its application in clinical practice. Finally, as educators, clinicians and researchers, we also offer our personal views informed by our practice and experience. We hope that this thorough examination of medical decision makingDecision making, SDM'sShared Decision Making (SDM) theoretical foundations, practical challenges, and potential future developments will be an important resource for both researchers and practitioners for understanding, improving and implementingPatient-centered care patient-centered care.