Current models of shared decision-making are insufficient: The "Professionally-Driven Zone of Patient or Surrogate Discretion" offers a defensible way forward.

Abstract

This paper undertakes a critical examination of the concept of "Shared Decision-Making" (SDM) by exploring current understandings of what is meant by the term. In an exploration of SDM, it will become evident that there are significant challenges that can limit shared decision-making's successful implementation in practice. Existing models are examined, and a novel method of SDM is proposed which makes use of a Professionally-Driven Zone of Patient or Surrogate Discretion. A Professionally-Driven Zone of Patient or Surrogate Discretion is a broadly-applicable model of SDM that takes a harm-threshold approach, rather than appealing strictly to best interests. This model avoids or addresses many of the challenges that impede successful implementation of other SDM models. The Professionally-Driven Zone of Patient or Surrogate Discretion aims to define the scope of participant roles in SDM better than existing models, and ensures that the treatments or interventions which are pursued in SDM are chosen from a range of ethically-defensible options.