by Glyn Elwyn, Natalie Joseph-Williams, Adrian Edwards

Healthcare systems around the world are placing increasing importance on the relationship between patient choice and clinical decision-making, with many countries having shared decision making as a central theme in their healthcare policy developments. The concept of shared decision making (SDM) in healthcare is simple: clinicians and patients work together when solving problems and making decisions. However, the context and implementation are more challenging. Written by a global team of experts, the Oxford Textbook of Shared Decision Making , fourth edition, examines from both theoretical and practical perspectives, what comprises an effective decision making process, looking at the benefits and potential difficulties that arise when patients and clinicians share healthcare decisions. The first sections cover the theory, methods, and implementation of SDM. Later sections examine SDM from the viewpoints of different clinical and surgical specialities, and allied disciplines such as nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery. Each chapter contains reflections from a patient partner with lived experience of SDM, giving a truly diverse and collaborative account of how SDM can work between patients, families, carers, and healthcare professionals. Authoritative, evidence based, and grounded in clinical practice, the Oxford Textbook of Shared Decision Making explores a very important paradigm shift in the delivery of healthcare, providing thoughtful consideration and key strategies for its successful implementation.