Exploring the Relationship between Shared Decision-Making, Patient-Centered Medicine, and Evidence-Based Medicine

Shared decision-making is a possible link between the best of patient-centered medicine and evidence-based medicine. This article seeks to describe the link between them. It discusses to what extent the integration of such perspectives is successful in assuring respect for the patient’s autonomy. From the evidence herein, we conclude that if the doctor–patient relationship and communication are strengthened to cover all issues relevant to the patient’s health and values, is it possible for him or her to achieve more autonomous decisions by this linkage of shared decision-making and patient-centered medicine? Summary: Shared decision-making is a possible link between the best of patient-centered medicine and evidence-based medicine. This article seeks to describe the link between them.