Perceptions of Shared Decision Making Among Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries/Disorders

This study explores how patients with spinal cord injuries/disorders (SCI/D) perceive shared decision-making (SDM) in their healthcare. SDM is a key part of patient-centered care, where patients actively participate in decisions about their treatment. The study looks at whether factors like demographics, health status, and characteristics of their SCI/D influence how patients feel about SDM. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers improve how they involve patients in making decisions about their care. The findings suggest that individuals with tetraplegia, better physical health, and better mental health report higher satisfaction with the effectiveness of decision-making. Also, better mental health is linked to better communication about risks and benefits of treatment.

• 1
  Individuals with tetraplegia reported better effectiveness scores compared to those with paraplegia, suggesting they perceive the decision-making process as more aligned with their needs.
• 2
  Better physical and mental health were correlated with better effectiveness scores, indicating that overall health status influences perceptions of shared decision-making.
• 3
  Better mental health was associated with better risk communication scores, suggesting that mental well-being impacts a patient's satisfaction with the information exchange regarding treatment options.