What does shared decision making emphasize in a meeting between a doctor and a peer?

Shared decision making highlights the collaborative nature of the decision-making process between a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, and a peer, who is often someone with lived experience in recovery. In this context, both parties are seen as having valuable insights and knowledge.

The peer brings their personal experience, perspectives, and preferences that contribute to a more holistic understanding of the situation. The doctor, on the other hand, offers medical expertise and clinical knowledge. By acknowledging that both parties share equal expertise in their respective areas—healthcare knowledge from the doctor and experiential knowledge from the peer—shared decision making fosters an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity. This approach ultimately enhances the quality of care, as it ensures that the peer's voice and choices are integrated into the treatment plan, leading to more personalized and effective outcomes.