Shared Decision Making

By Vicki Haugen RN, MPH, CWON, CFCN

Vicki is currently the volunteer parish nurse for the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church and recently co-authored a chapter in a national textbook on patient engagement and shared decision making with health care providers.  Frequently hearing similar frustrations regarding diagnosis, testing, and medications from parishioners and friends she highlights 3 concepts and techniques to clarify our expectations and visit outcomes.  

The first concept, Shared Decision Making, Vicki learned of and co-authored a nursing article on research done by Dr. Nanda Col a local physician whose work with doctors, nurses, and patients focusing on complete and clear communication of treatment options. “Shared Decision Making” not only increased patient satisfaction, it improved treatment outcomes in multiple oncology studies. 

  The second concept is an old but valued theory, the “Health Belief Model” where we as care providers make sure the treatment is understood by the patient, can truly be carried out by the patient, and they believe it will have a positive outcome.  Patients often are seen as non- compliant when really the treatment plan is a poor fit for that individual.

The third concept is to be sure you “drive your own bus” as in be respectful but ask your questions, be honest, and clarify what other options for care may be possible.  And bring a “second ear” to help you listen to the providers and assist you in asking questions. 

Diagnosis can be difficult for some issues, and medications almost all have side-effects, yet the benefit may outweigh them, and not all new symptoms or problems can be “fixed” but can be lived with when accepted as the best option we have for now or for that issue. 

In summary, be your own best friend, stay focused on realistic goals, be open and share your reactions and your care providers can do their best for you!

MEETING:

1. Past President Mike presented 3 Presidential Awards to Laurie Zimmerli, Cathy Fisher, and Barb Thornton, our Rotary Barn leaders!
2. Judi White reviewed our veggie pick up needs and acquired a new volunteer, Conxa Packard to assist as a back-up volunteer. She also encouraged donations to the Community FRIDGE at the town hall.  So, we said yes.  
3. Next week we are holding the Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club Horse Races.  Come run (or watch) the horses race the famous Clubhouse Course.  Bet high, bet low!!  But, either way there will be lots of fun and laughs.   What's better than horse racing???  Well, almost as good.  Donations for the Community Fridge.   Please bring a food donation for the Community FRIDGE. Commonly needed foods are: macaroni and cheese boxes, pasta, rice, canned foods, cereal, juice, but not fresh produce as they are less desired.   Check package expiration date before donating.
4. Our star, Linda Clapp, received her 3^rd Bruce Harris pin award for donations to the International Foundation.
5. Finally, we collected Happy Dollars  and were reminded that the money from raffle or Happy Dollars help us pay the cost of running the club!  Happy dollars also keep us informed of our members' personal milestones.  We're a busy group of folks, doing, doing.  Happy dollars are so valuable because it gives us a chance to share our personal joys and sorrows with this busy, but caring group of friends.

The Big, Gray Rotary Barn is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11:00 rain or shine, but rain seems to be the new normal.  We are accepting donations, just call or text Greg at 207-619-1417 for pick up or drop off plans.  

Join us!  We meet every Thursday at 6pm at our Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Rd, BBH, Me 04538.  You'll be glad you did.