[Shared decision-making in acute life-threatening situations: two cases].

Abstract

When making critical treatment decisions, shared decision-making (SDM) between healthcare providers and patients is essential. SDM involves discussing care options, considering patient preferences, and ensuring decisions align with patient values and medical conditions. This process becomes challenging in life-threatening emergencies, where time constraints hinder thorough discussions and coordination among healthcare providers, potentially leading to inappropriate care. Two cases highlight these challenges. Patient A, a 76-year-old man with acute aortic dissection, underwent surgery without comprehensive SDM, resulting in unsuccessful outcomes and questioning the appropriateness of the intervention. Patient B, an 84-year-old man with heart failure and COPD, received palliative care following thorough SDM and multidisciplinary consultation, leading to a dignified end-of-life experience. We conclude that effective communication and multidisciplinary collaboration are crucial for SDM, even in acute settings. Recommendations include creating space for thorough discussions, involving all relevant healthcare providers, and integrating palliative care as a serious treatment option. This approach ensures patient-centered care and aligns medical interventions with the patient's values and needs.