Embracing Shared Decision Making in Women's Health

Shared Decision Making (SDM) is not just about presenting options to patients; it’s about fostering a partnership. This approach is the foundation of care at Eve Telehealth and Wellness. Instead of providers solely directing care, or patients navigating complex choices alone, SDM bridges the gap. Nurse Practitioner Dr. April Lam, DNP, FNP-C, recognizes that clinical expertise and patient lived experience are equally important in creating a care plan that is both effective and sustainable.

Key Components of Shared Decision Making

The key components of SDM include:

• Clear explanation of risks and benefits

• Exploration of patient goals and lifestyle

• Respect for personal values, concerns, and cultural context

• Open communication, with ample time for questions and clarification

  
  

Why It Matters: Especially for Women

Historically, women have been underrepresented in research, overlooked in diagnosis, and underestimated in clinical settings. Studies show that women are more likely to be:

• Dismissed when reporting symptoms, especially pain and fatigue

• Misdiagnosed with mental health issues when physical disorders are present

• Subjected to less aggressive treatment for conditions like heart disease

  
  

Shared Decision Making helps counteract these disparities by:

• Giving women a voice in their care

• Ensuring that their symptoms, values, and preferences guide treatment decisions

• Reducing unnecessary interventions while improving health outcomes

  
  

In areas such as reproductive health, autoimmune disease management, chronic illness care, mental health support, and even perimenopause and menopause, Eve Telehealth and Wellness invites women to reclaim autonomy and make informed choices about their bodies—something the traditional healthcare model often fails to support.

Moving Away from the "Paternalistic Model"

In older healthcare models, particularly the paternalistic approach, doctors made decisions on behalf of patients, believing they knew best. This model:

• Did not require or encourage patient input

• Often ignored psychosocial or cultural considerations

• Contributed to inequitable care

  
  

While this approach may have worked in emergency situations or simpler times, modern medicine recognizes the complexity of chronic disease, lifestyle factors, and individual differences in treatment responses. The “doctor knows best” model no longer aligns with the needs and desires of patients.

Disparities and the Need for a New Model

The push toward Shared Decision Making is also a response to persistent health disparities. For women—especially women of color, marginalized populations, those with disabilities, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds—healthcare has often been a source of frustration and harm. Barriers such as lack of access, implicit bias, and systemic inequities have led to worse health outcomes.

SDM helps address these issues by:

• Building trust between patients and providers

• Creating space for culturally sensitive care

• Encouraging collaborative treatment strategies that reflect real-life barriers

  
  

The Importance of Patient Autonomy

Empowering patients is essential in creating a healthcare system that respects individual choices. Patients should feel confident that their opinions and preferences are integral to their treatment. When patients are given the opportunity to participate in their healthcare journey, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and collaborate on long-term health strategies.

Final Thoughts: A More Human Approach to Health

Shared Decision Making is more than just a healthcare trend; it represents a necessary shift toward more compassionate, equitable, and effective care. For women, whose voices have long been marginalized in medicine, this model is especially impactful.

By honoring each patient as a partner, our goal is to restore dignity, autonomy, and confidence in healthcare decisions. It's a care model that not only improves health outcomes but also heals the provider-patient relationship—introducing autonomy in medicine.

Interested in patient-centered care that values your voice?

Family Nurse Practitioner Dr. April Lam, DNP, FNP-C

Learn how Dr. April Lam, DNP, FNP-C + Eve Telehealth and Wellness integrates shared decision making into holistic and functional healthcare for women. Explore how a collaborative approach enhances patient autonomy and improves overall health experiences. Book a free 15 minute consult today!

At Eve Telehealth and Wellness, we prioritize each woman's health journey. By listening and responding to their needs, we help create health plans that not only treat conditions but also consider the person behind the diagnosis. Embracing SDM allows us to foster respect, trust, and personalized care resulting in better health outcomes for women everywhere.