Approaches to Shared Decision-Making for the Oncology Team: Webinar Series-Practical Tips for Integrating Shared Decision-Making into Clinical Practice

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar introduced practical tips for integrating shared decision-making into oncology practice, as part of a six-part ACCC series. Angie Fagerlin explained that shared decision-making is a conversation in which clinicians provide medical expertise while patients share their values, goals, and preferences. She highlighted common barriers: patients may feel overwhelmed, lack knowledge, or be new to participating in medical decisions; clinicians may lack training, time, or comfort discussing sensitive issues. She emphasized that shared decision-making is especially important when multiple treatment options have similar outcomes, and that good decisions should be informed and aligned with patient values.<br /><br />Fagerlin also described strategies to support better decisions, including decision aids, plain-language education materials, teach-back, asking patients how involved they want to be, and exploring what matters most to them. She noted that shared decision-making often does not take more time and may improve trust, satisfaction, quality of life, and adherence.<br /><br />Gerardo Sanchez presented case studies from a multidisciplinary liver tumor clinic at Emory. The clinic brings together hepatology, surgery, medical oncology, and interventional radiology to discuss treatment options such as transplant, resection, liver-directed therapy, or systemic therapy. Sanchez explained how her team educates patients, invites family support, discusses goals and concerns, and tailors recommendations to each patient’s condition and priorities. The cases illustrated how shared decision-making helps patients choose treatments that fit their values, prognosis, and life circumstances.<br /><br />The session concluded with audience Q&A on preparing patients, using decision coaches, training clinicians, telehealth communication, and how to present options honestly without overwhelming patients.

Asset Caption

Angela Fagerlin, PhD
Professor & Chair, Department of Population Health Sciences
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Gerarda Sanchez, PA-C
Physician Assistant Interventional Radiology Emory University, Atlanta, GA

We will discuss the fundamentals of shared decision-making (SDM) in oncology, and share practical tips and case studies for integrating SDM principles and processes into clinical practice.

Keywords

shared decision-making

oncology practice

patient values

decision aids

plain-language education

teach-back

multidisciplinary liver tumor clinic

treatment options

patient-centered care

telehealth communication