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Patient decision making

In this video, we explore how patients want to take part of the decision making related to their treatment.
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5.1
DOCTOR: Good morning, Bob. How are you doing today?
8
BOB: Fine. Thanks, doctor. But that may change depending on the news you have for me today.
13.3
DOCTOR: OK, Bob, since you mentioned it, we have to talk about your test results. The test tells us you have developed type 2 diabetes.
21.2
BOB: Oh, no. Does this mean I’m going to need to take lots of pills every day like my granddad?
28.3
DOCTOR: But there’s no need to worry, it’s treatable and if you follow the treatment as prescribed, you can still live a great life. OK, so another patient with recently diagnosed diabetes and as with every other patient, I will prescribe the best treatment available. First is to encourage healthier eating habits. OK, you see, Bob as part of your treatment you will have to make some changes in your diet. I recommend you should avoid drinking soft drinks, coffee, and tea at all costs.
63
BOB: What? OK, I could do without soft drinks, but not without coffee.
68.3
DOCTOR: OK, so another patient with recently diagnosed diabetes and as with every other patient, I will prescribe the best treatment available. And Bob, from now on you on the daily insulin injections for the rest of your life.
83.8
BOB: What? My grandad never have to do that.
87.1
DOCTOR: Bob, I know this is a lot to process. So, what questions do you have for me?
92.4
BOB: Now, you mentioned it, I have a lot. Why can’t I drink coffee? Please, don’t ask me to quit coffee.
101
DOCTOR: Well, a lot of people tend to pour sugar in their coffee and don’t like it without it. So, it’s best for them to just quit drinking it.
111.2
BOB: That’s why? I always drink my tea and my coffee without sugar. Also, can I have those sugar free soft drinks?
120.7
DOCTOR: Well, then you can have as much coffee or tea as you like. But I recommend you avoid all soft drinks. But if you feel like having one every now and then, sugar free can be an option, I guess.
133.5
BOB: And finally, why should I have these injections daily? This is a remark, not a complaint. Obviously you know more about it than I do. But I never saw my grandfather take these injections and he had diabetes as well.
147.1
DOCTOR: Well, studies have shown that people who start the insulin injections, have better control over the disease in the long run. So, if I thought of doing that with you, but you are right, we can start with pills and diet changes. Then we can check in three months and see if these measures are enough to control the disease. But if they’re not effective, or you are not doing them as we agreed, then you most likely have to start with the injections.
177.4
BOB: Now that I know why I should follow my treatments and what my options are, I feel motivated to take care of myself in a way I can. Thanks a lot doctor.
187.6
DOCTOR: I think I should always discuss treatment options with patients so they can better understand their situation and can better follow the treatments they choose. No, thank you, Bob. See you in three months.
199.9
BOB: Bye.

In this video, we explore how patients want to take part in the decision making related to their treatment.

We will meet Bob. Bob is a 67-year-old man, who worked as as an IT consultant for a big tech. company, but has now retired. He went to his General Practitioner to receive some news on the results of the lab some blood tests his doctor ordered last time he was there. Let’s see how that goes.

Now that you have watched the video. What are your thoughts about it? Do you think there are many patients like Bob? What about those who we know are not going to speak up as Bob did? Maybe they want to ask questions, but won’t for any reason. We will explore this more in future steps.

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This content is taken from University of Groningen online course
Working with Patients with Limited Health Literacy
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Working with Patients with Limited Health Literacy

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