Exploration on Shared Decision-making Mechanisms in Chinese Medicine Treatment / 中国医学伦理学

ABSTRACT

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment models are rich and unique, including patient-led decision-making, doctor-led decision-making, and doctor-patient shared decision-making. However, doctor-led decision-making is more common. The connotation of TCM shared decision-making is rich, including not only the smooth flow of information and the encouragement and support of equal participation by patients, but also the discussions on various aspects of diet, exercise, emotions, daily life, physiology, psychology, society, and nature that affect health based on the unique holistic concept of TCM. Integrating "shared decision-making" into the treatment process of TCM can be divided into four steps according to the process of "diagnosis and treatment". TCM shared decision-making has advantages and limitations, requiring both doctors and patients to meet certain objective conditions, and there are also special situations in TCM treatment where shared decision-making cannot be applied. Multiple ways to enhance the decision-making ability of doctors and patients, scientific evaluation and matching treatment plans, development of decision-making aids, and smooth channels for information transmission can all enhance the shared decision-making ability of doctors and patients.