In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, academic GP Dr Sam Finnikin speaks to MIMS Learning’s medical editor Sangeeta Krishnan about the essential role of shared decision-making  in modern primary care. 

Sam talks about why shared decision-making is a legal and ethical responsibility, and how GPs can effectively integrate it into the standard 10-minute consultation. They also discuss the unique challenges of polypharmacy, the art of ‘not doing’ as an active clinical choice, and how to communicate complex risks to patients in a way they can best understand.

Educational objectives

After listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:

• Evaluate the role of shared decision making as a fundamental, non-optional approach to every clinical decision.
• Implement strategies to achieve shared decision-making within 10-minute consultations by leveraging continuity of care and splitting decisions over time.
• Apply evidence-based medicine with care to individual patients, particularly those with multimorbidity and polypharmacy who are often excluded from research populations.
• Understand the concept of ‘not doing’ (active watchful waiting) and how it can improve healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Communicate risks effectively using absolute numbers, natural frequencies, and positive/negative framing to aid patient deliberation.
• Encourage patient autonomy while providing tailored recommendations that incorporate a patient’s individual values and preferences.

You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.

Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.

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