Supported Decision Making and Health Care
Supported Decision Making and Health Care
Supported Decision Making and Health Care
RESOURCE TYPE
Information | Guide
LANGUAGE
English
AUDIENCE
Individuals with disabilities | Healthcare providers | Advocates | Family members | Caregivers
Resource Description
Introduction: This article explains Supported Decision-Making (SDM) in healthcare. SDM is a way for people with disabilities to make their own choices about their health care. Instead of having a guardian make decisions for them, they choose trusted people to help them understand their options and speak up about their needs.
Resource Summary
Content Summary: SDM helps people with disabilities stay in control of their healthcare choices. When using SDM, a person picks one or more trusted helpers. These helpers explain medical info in ways that make sense. They also help the person ask questions and share their thoughts with doctors. The document shares real stories from people who use SDM. A video shows a young person talking about why SDM matters to them. We also hear from someone who helps others use SDM. These stories show some common problems. Often, doctors talk to helpers instead of talking directly to the person with a disability. Some doctors focus more on medical equipment than on the person using it. People with disabilities want doctors to speak to them first and give them time to think and ask questions. This is called person-centered care. It means doctors should work at a pace that fits each person's needs. Most states allow SDM. Some states have even made special laws about it. There are two main parts to the guide: one for doctors and one for people with disabilities and their helpers. The part for doctors has many common questions about SDM. It explains what SDM is, how it works, and how to talk with patients and their helpers. It also covers privacy and other legal matters. The second part is written in simple language for people with disabilities and their helpers. It explains how to use SDM and answers basic questions. At the end, there is a list of places to learn more about SDM. This includes groups that help people use SDM and special programs that test new ways to make SDM work better.