Transform Patient Care with AHRQ’s SHARE Model

What if patients were not just recipients of care, but active partners in it? Could sharing decisions between clinicians and patients really improve healthcare outcomes?

Transform Patient Care with AHRQ’s SHARE Model

In today’s session from Quality Capsule, we’ll explore the AHRQ SHARE Approach, a vital model in shared decision-making that aligns deeply with patient-centered care and quality management in healthcare.

WHAT IS THE SHARE APPROACH?

Let’s talk about something that’s a real game-changer in patient care: the SHARE Approach.

This five-step method, created by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), helps healthcare providers connect with patients during important health decisions. Particularly in situations with multiple treatment options, the SHARE model ensures the patient’s voice is valued.

SHARE stands for:

1. S – Seek patient participation

2. H – Help patients explore and compare treatment options

3. A – Assess patient values and preferences

4. R – Reach a decision together

5. E – Evaluate the decision

   
   

These steps solidify a partnership between the patient and the healthcare team, a cornerstone of quality healthcare.

DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF EACH STEP

Seek Patient Participation

This step invites patients to be part of the decision-making process. By asking, “What do you want to do?” you lay the groundwork for a collaborative relationship. When patients feel involved, they are more engaged and likely to adhere to treatment plans. Studies show that engaged patients are 60% more likely to follow their prescribed treatment regimens.

To make this step effective, create a welcoming environment. This encourages patients to share their thoughts and concerns, which can reveal essential insights about their preferences.

Help Patients Explore and Compare Treatment Options

In this step, effective communication is key. Clinicians should provide clear, accessible information about treatment choices. For example, offer a straightforward comparison of medication benefits and side effects, using visual aids like charts or decision-making tools.

Research indicates that when patients are given well-designed decision aids, their understanding of treatment options increases by about 25%, leading to more informed decisions.

Assess Patient Values and Preferences

This step allows for deeper conversations. Understanding what matters most to your patient can guide treatment plans tailored to their needs. For instance, if a patient values family time over aggressive treatment, it’s vital to consider this in planning care.

Using open-ended questions helps in discovering these values. Inquiries about lifestyle, concerns, and personal health beliefs can highlight priorities and enable personalized decisions.

Reach a Decision Together

Collaboration is crucial in this step. The clinician and patient should discuss the best course of action, taking into account their shared understanding of the patient’s values. Encourage patients to voice any concerns about the options you’ve presented.

Together, weigh the pros and cons to reach a decision that aligns with what the patient values most. This approach not only empowers the patient but solidifies the partnership built through the SHARE model.

Evaluate the Decision

This final phase involves following up with the patient to ensure their decision aligns with their expectations. Creating a feedback loop is essential for ongoing improvement. Patients should feel comfortable sharing their experiences, whether they were satisfied or had concerns.

For instance, a simple follow-up survey can be an effective way to gauge how patients feel about their decisions and the ongoing support they receive.

IMPACT OF THE SHARE MODEL ON PATIENT OUTCOMES

Implementing the SHARE model significantly transforms patient care. Research has shown that engaging patients in decision-making can increase satisfaction by over 40%. It enhances adherence to treatment plans, leading to improved health outcomes. When patients feel informed and involved, they are more likely to manage their health proactively.

By embracing patient-centered care, healthcare providers can build trust and enhance communication. This trust fosters long-term relationships, which are vital in improving overall care quality.

Additionally, the SHARE model can lead to cost savings. Educated patients often make choices geared towards appropriate and effective care, reducing unnecessary procedures by as much as 30%.

This efficient care model prioritizes patient needs and helps create a healthcare system less focused on overtreatment.

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING THE SHARE MODEL

Implementing the SHARE model does come with challenges. Clinicians often face time constraints, making it difficult to fully engage patients. Some patients may also be hesitant to voice their opinions, feeling overwhelmed by their options.

To address these challenges, healthcare systems should invest in training clinicians in communication strategies, active listening, and effective use of decision aids. Workshops can equip healthcare teams with necessary skills for facilitating shared decision-making smoothly.

Another challenge is fostering a culture shift within healthcare organizations. Leadership buy-in is crucial to promote shared decision-making. This involves recalibrating performance metrics to recognize and incentivize patient engagement practices.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The AHRQ SHARE model represents a significant shift in how we think about healthcare. By transforming patients from passive recipients into active partners, healthcare providers can improve outcomes, build trust, and enhance the entire patient experience.

The SHARE Approach underscores collaboration, communication, and respect—key components of quality healthcare. By embedding these principles into everyday practices, we can better serve our patients and ultimately elevate the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, adopting the SHARE model is essential for fostering a future defined by patient-centered care and shared responsibility.