Better shared decision making needs better communication

In a recent BMJ essay [1] Neal Maskrey discusses why shared decision making, while endorsed by research and policy,  has not made into widespread practice.  He argues that, while evidence based medicine (EBM) has formalised the scientific approach to incorporating best medicine into treatment, it has not managed to incorporate evidence into individual consultations. Many doctors don’t possess the communication skills needed and specialist training programmes are lacking.

1] Neal Maskrey,  Shared decision making: why the slow progress?  BMJ 2019;367:l6762  5 December 2019.

If you want to improve your communication skills take a look at the learning resources listed on the CPD Zone Communication skills page.