PATIENTS' VALUES IN CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING

Objective Shared decision-making involves the participation of patient and dental practitioner. Well-informed decision-making requires that both parties understand important concepts that may influence the decision. This fourth article in a series of 4 aims to discuss the importance of patients' values when a clinical decision is made. Methods We report on how to incorporate important concepts for well-informed, shared decision-making. Here, we present patient values as an important issue, in addition to previously established topics such as the risk of bias of a study, cost-effectiveness of treatment approaches, and a comparison of therapeutic benefit with potential side effects. Results We provide 2 clinical examples and suggestions for a decision tree, based on the available evidence. Conclusion The information reported in this article may improve the relationship between patient and dental practitioner, resulting in more well-informed clinical decisions.