The doctor
expresses what they think is the best treatment option for the patient (medication and/or surgery).
Deciding on treatment options should be a shared decision amongst the patient, caregiver(s) and the doctor. Shared decision making occurs when health professionals and patients work together. This puts patients in the driver’s seat with regard to decisions about their own treatment and care. In shared decision making, care and treatment options are explored from every angle, including the discussion of risks versus benefits.
How shared decision making works
Written by Tina Aswani Omprakash. Medically reviewed and validated by Jordan Axelrad, MD, MPH. These webpages are funded by a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
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