Final answer:
Shared decision making is a structured approach that incorporates evidence, patient values, and preferences into medical decision making. It helps to facilitate discussions and arrive at better-informed decisions that align with what matters most to patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shared decision making is a structured approach that incorporates evidence, patient values, and preferences into medical decision making. It helps to facilitate discussions and arrive at better-informed decisions that align with what matters most to patients. For example, when deciding on a treatment, shared decision making considers the patient's preferences, such as their religious or spiritual beliefs, economic considerations, and social factors like caste and gender. It is an important tool in healthcare that promotes patient-centered care and improved health outcomes.