What are the best ways to involve patients in developing their own care plans?

1 Ask open-ended questions

One of the most efficient ways to involve patients in developing their own care plans is to ask them open-ended questions. These questions cannot be answered with a yes or no, but require more explanation and reflection. For instance, you could inquire about their main concerns or challenges, hopes or expectations for treatment and recovery, preferences or values regarding care, how they cope with stress or pain, and how they learn best or prefer to receive information. Asking open-ended questions can help you comprehend the patient's point of view, needs, and goals, as well as motivate them to express their feelings, opinions, and preferences and take part in the decision-making process.

2 Use shared decision-making tools

By using shared decision-making tools, patients can become more involved in developing their own care plans. These resources provide information about the condition, treatment options, and their advantages and disadvantages. For example, decision aids are brochures, videos, or online tools that can help patients assess their values and priorities, while option grids are tables that summarize the key features of different treatments. Additionally, choice talk is a structured conversation that assists patients and providers in making decisions. By utilizing these tools, patients can become more informed and confident with their care choices. It can also improve communication and trust between patients and providers, as well as enhance the quality and outcomes of care.

3 Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, you can ensure that a patient's care plan is based on the best available evidence and expertise from different fields. This approach also allows for addressing the patient's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs holistically and effectively. Furthermore, working with multidisciplinary teams enables patients to receive consistent and coordinated information and support throughout their care journey. It also allows them to be involved as partners and members of the team, while respecting their autonomy and dignity. Ultimately, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help patients receive more comprehensive, personalized, and integrated care. Additionally, it can foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empowerment among patients and providers.

4 Encourage self-management and peer support

A fourth way to involve patients in developing their own care plans is to encourage self-management and peer support. Self-management is the ability of patients to manage their own health and well-being, such as monitoring symptoms, taking medications, following lifestyle recommendations, and coping with emotions. Peer support is the support that patients receive from other people who have similar experiences or conditions, such as joining a support group, sharing stories, or giving advice. By doing so, you can help patients gain more control and confidence over their health and well-being; enhance their knowledge, skills, and motivation to follow their care plan; reduce isolation, stress, and anxiety; increase hope and resilience; and connect them with a network of resources and support that can complement professional care. Ultimately, encouraging self-management and peer support can help patients become more active and engaged in their own care, leading to improved quality of life, satisfaction, and outcomes.

5 Provide feedback and follow-up

A fifth way to involve patients in developing their own care plans is to provide feedback and follow-up. Feedback provides patients with information about their progress, performance, or outcomes, while follow-up is contact with their providers or other sources after their initial consultation, treatment, or intervention. This can help monitor the patient's condition and adjust the care plan accordingly. Additionally, it can reinforce the patient's achievements, strengths, and efforts while addressing any challenges they may have. Furthermore, feedback and follow-up can maintain the patient's engagement and adherence to their care plan and goals. It can also identify any gaps or issues that may affect care quality or safety, so that they can be resolved promptly. Ultimately, providing feedback and follow-up can give patients more timely, accurate, and relevant information and support to enhance the continuity and accountability of care.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?