Contemporary health-related decision aids: tools for social work practice

Soc Work Health Care. 2014;53(8):762-75. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2014.944252.

Abstract

The escalating complexity in health-related decisions that people face have important implications for social work interventions. This article explores the nature of these implications within the context of decisional conflict, shared decision making, and the use of decision aids. In addition, the authors present the findings of a content analysis of 29 contemporary health-related decision aids. Emergent categories from this analysis are presented as a resource for social workers as they encounter, adapt, and create decision aids in their work to help address the health-related needs of their clients.

Keywords: content analysis; decision aids; decisional conflict; shared decision making; social work.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making*
  • Decision Support Techniques*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Patient Participation
  • Social Work / methods*