Patients are unique individuals, we all experience hernia differently and as such we should all receive treatment for hernia based on our personal experience. Surgeons are experts in hernia surgery however patients are also experts in their own rights as they have actual lived experiences, they know how their bodies function and they know how the hernia is affecting their lives, this experience must never be dismissed. Shared decision making blends both clinical expertise and patients experience, preferences and expectations to agree truly personalised decisions on treatment.
Shared decision making is the framework to informed consent which in Europe is governed by a blend of international conventions and national laws all of which are aimed at protecting the rights of the patients at all times. European Hernia Society Patient Advisory Committee and Hernia Patient Support Group will always actively promote shared decision-making in hernia surgery. At a time when patients feel that they have little control over what is happening to their bodies, empowering patients through shared decision making is important to improve outcomes and to create a partnership of care where both patients and clinicians have active roles to play in treatment. A patient who is invested in their treatment, feels valued and understood by their surgeon is more likely to follow through with any prehabilitation requests. It has been shown that shared decision making can positively change hernia surgery from provider driven to a patient centered care which all patients should be able to experience.
The European Hernia Society Patient Advisory Committee along with Hernia Patient Support Group will actively encourage patients to become active participants int heir treatment. We will seek to empower patients and will discuss shared decision making through a live patient webinar with Mr Alastair Windsor during November and will always encourage patients to feel empowered in their treatment options and decisions.
The Patient Advisory Committee will always be available to discuss Shared Decision Making with surgeons and will happily advise on ways in which this can be achieved.
Join the webinar HERE.