Perceptions and experiences of patients with stable coronary heart disease participating in shared decision-making: a qualitative study in China.

Abstract

To explore, from the perspective of patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD), their perspectives and experiences of shared decision-making (SDM) participation. A descriptive qualitative research design was adopted in this study. The reflexive thematic analysis method was used to generate themes. The study was conducted at a grade III level A hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. The main interview locations for this study were quiet wards, meeting rooms and the respondents' residences. Between January and April 2025, 15 patients with SCAD who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and underwent semistructured interviews. This study developed three themes from the interviews: Theme 1: Specific content of participation in SDM, Theme 2: Family participation with Chinese characteristics, Theme 3: The complex game between ethics and efficiency. Healthcare providers can implement culturally sensitive, ethically informed sustainable development by guiding decision-making through gradual progression, valuing family hierarchy and advocating for better systemic support.