When we started ARK Primary Care, one of our core principles was and continues to be a shared decision-making approach. This is not a wild, revolutionary concept in medical education, and we certainly are not reinventing the wheel. During my time at Lincoln Memorial University – DCOM, the importance of involving patients to determine direction in their care was actually stressed consistently, specifically during our clinical coursework. A common theme I hear from patients navigating healthcare is that they often experience a more unilateral approach when it comes to treating health issues. While there are many reasons why this may be the experience for some patients, that is a conversation for another day. What I want to focus on here is the value of patient education and how it creates the foundation for shared decision-making.

Reliable Information

It is no secret that we live in a world of information overload. We have an incredible amount of medical information at our fingertips, but having more information does not necessarily make it easier to determine what is reliable, what is misleading, and what actually applies to you. I believe one of our responsibilities as healthcare providers is to help patients put that information into context. We have been trained to evaluate medical literature and ask important questions. Was a study designed appropriately? Did it include enough participants? Were the results statistically significant? What were its limitations? And, perhaps most importantly, do the findings actually apply to the patient sitting in front of us? Patients should feel comfortable bringing questions to their physician, whether those questions come from something they read online, heard from a friend, or saw on social media. Our job should be to welcome those conversations, provide context, confirm reliable information, and, when necessary, correct misconceptions.

Building Trust

Education is also one of the best opportunities we have to build trust between a patient and physician. Listen, we understand that not every recommendation is one that will be accepted or followed. What I have found though is that patients appreciate knowing why something is being recommended. Sometimes a conversation changes a patient’s mind about something they had not previously considered. Other times, after hearing the risks, benefits, and alternatives, they may still decide against a treatment recommendation. Whether they agree with your recommendation or not, there is a trust that develops in knowing that you are getting them all the information, and ultimately respect their decision.

Ownership of Your Health

People generally want control over their lives, and their health is no different. Of course, there are patients who tell me, “You’re the doctor. Tell me what you think I should do,” and choose to follow my recommendation. As providers, we jokingly call those our favorite patients. All jokes aside, there is still autonomy in that decision. They have chosen to place their trust in their physician and the recommendations being made. On the other side are patients with what I like to call a healthy amount of skepticism. That is okay, too. Asking questions, wanting more information, and carefully considering your options are all ways of taking ownership of your health. My responsibility remains the same: give patients the best information I have, explain the reasoning behind my recommendation, and help them make an informed decision.

Where Does This Lead?

Hopefully, better outcomes.

Sometimes that connection is direct. A patient understands why a screening test is recommended, decides to complete it, and an abnormality is found early enough to significantly change the course of their treatment. But there are indirect benefits, too. If we consistently provide reliable information, build trust, and give patients an active role in their healthcare, maybe they are more likely to come back when something does not feel right. Imagine a 60-year-old man who has never particularly liked going to the doctor. One day, he starts feeling a little “off.” Instead of ignoring it until his next annual visit nine months away, he feels comfortable calling his physician because a relationship has already been established. Maybe that vague feeling leads to an evaluation that identifies significant coronary artery disease. Instead of presenting months later with a heart attack, he is referred to cardiology and treated before a potentially life-changing event occurs. That is the kind of relationship we want primary care to create.

Why Start Here?

There is a reason I wanted to begin this series by talking about patient education. Periodically, I will be writing articles addressing common questions and topics that come up in my clinical practice. My goal is not to convince you what to think or what decision to make. My goal is to give you reliable information, explain the reasoning behind medical recommendations, and help you understand the evidence well enough to have a productive conversation with your own healthcare provider. I will include studies and concrete data as well to give validity to the conversation. Whether you are one of my patients or receive your care somewhere else, I hope these articles help you feel more informed and better prepared to participate in decisions about your health. Ultimately, that is what patient education and shared decision-making are about. Giving patients the information, context, and partnership they need to pursue the longest, healthiest life possible.