Types of Shared Medical Decision Making for Terminally Ill Patients / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze types of shared medical decision making by health professionals in a decision making position. METHODS: The Q-methodology was used. Q sample was constructed with a total of 35 Q-statements that were offered with a 9-point rating scale. The statements were structured to generate answers that would form a shape of a normal distribution. Answers to Q sample were analyzed using a QUANL PC program. RESULTS: Four types of shared medical decision making were identified. Type I is patient-centered decision making, Type II is physician-centered, Type III is health professional-centered and Type IV is patient-family-centered. CONCLUSION: Study results indicate that it is recommended to develop an education program based on the four types of shared medical decision making so that health professionals can be provided with different approaches according to their decision making style.