3. How does Person-Centered Decision Making Work?

There are a lot of different models for person-centered decision making. Some are used in the interprofessional context, some focus on the one-to-one clinical encounter, and other models include a third person that contributes to decision making. Here are two examples of different approaches to person-centered decision making:

The LEARN Model (9)

This model is a good example of a culturally sensitive approach to person-centered decision making.


 

The Informed and Person-centered Decision Making (IPCDM) Model (10)

This model is a good example of the degree to which each person is responsible for contributing to the process. You can see this by looking at how much closer each step takes the physician and patient.


Both models convey and prioritize different aspects of shared decision making but ultimately achieve the same end.

Since there is so much variety in models, to avoid confusion we have created our own graphic to highlight the key elements in the person-centered decision making process. This graphic includes the interprofessional team and the third person as part of the process. The focus is on the person: the provider individualizes the plan by eliciting values and beliefs from the person receiving care and people they may identify as important to involve in decision making. Our graphic will be elaborated on at various points throughout the course. Take a really good look at it to become familiar with the content.

A downloadable worksheet is also included with our graphic in the following unit.