Shared Decision Making

While shared decision making is recommended for all patients, there are many factors and practical concerns in when and how this is implemented. This video between Dr. Alexey Danilov and his patient, Dr. Brian Koffman, explores these issues by highlighting some of Dr. Koffman’s treatment decisions. While the influences and input of his many shared decisions made along his long chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) journey are unique to his case, the process and general approach have broader applicability.

Shared decision-making (SDM) in CLL is a collaborative process in which clinicians and patients often with family or caregivers co-create treatment choices that align with clinical evidence and the individual’s values, goals, and preferences. In CLL SDM is especially important because almost always there is more than one medically reasonable option, and that the best option depends on what matters most to the patient. Moreover, because each CLL patient is unique, and most patients will require multiple therapies over several years, it often make the patient’s informed personal preferences the ultimate deciding factor.