What Is SHARE and How Can It Impact Patient Satisfaction and Quality?

Reimbursement based on quality of care provided (value) rather than the number of patients seen (volume) is coming, and faster that many anticipated. One component of value-based care is shared decision making. But, what does it mean and how can you be prepared?

On May 21, 2015, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) co-sponsored and hosted a SHARE Approach workshop facilitated by the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ). Those in attendance learned the basics of the SHARE approach — the AHRQ’s five-step process for shared decision making — and left with tips and tools to teach their colleagues at their practices.

The steps include:

Step 1: Seek your patient’s participation.
Step 2: Help your patient explore and compare treatment options.
Step 3: Assess your patient’s values and preferences.
Step 4: Reach a decision with your patient.
Step 5: Evaluate your patient’s decision.

“The SHARE workshop developed an insightful and well organized approach for health care providers to work together with patients to determine the best health care decision for those patients,” says PAMED member Carrie DeLone, MD. “Although the provider’s knowledge and experience are the backbone of the decision-making process, the patient’s preferences and values are equally important. This approach will improve patient satisfaction and quality of care.”

The workshop used a train the trainer approach and focused on the steps to shared decision making, overcoming communication barriers, and information on how to execute this approach in your practice.

“The workshop method was interactive and the trainers were very helpful,” said Beth Chalick-Kaplan, RN, and doctoral student at Temple University. “They showed us where to access other decision making tools from accredited institutions and they even provided free follow-up and coaching to help you implement the program in your practice. I am hoping to take this program back to the university and teach the process to future health administrators, nurses, and medical students.”

“The ‘train the trainer’ method works well in the field of medicine where there is always something new to learn,” says Dr. Delone. “It was really exciting to learn how many free support tools are available through the online sources that were discussed during the conference.”

As health care options become more diverse and complex, physicians making informed treatment plans along with their patients is becoming a more prominent idea. According to the AHRQ, the SHARE Approach is a five-step process that explores the risks and benefits of treatment options through meaningful dialogue with patients.

“This approach helps, in a formal setting, bring the patient’s wishes into treatment decisions. There may be cultural practices, lifestyle choices, or cost considerations that health care providers can overlook,” said Chalick-Kaplan.

“Each step is important, but I think the third step — assessing your patient’s values and preferences — is most helpful for avoiding these pitfalls and is often the piece that gets missed in clinical care.

How can you prepare yourself for the volume to value transition and be ahead of the curve?
Ensure you have the skills necessary to succeed in the transition from volume to value through a CME series of online, on-demand courses and live workshops offered by PAMED. The last live workshop will be held on Oct. 9 at PAMED in Harrisburg, Pa. This series is facilitated by PAMED member Ray Fabius, MD, who is a nationally respected expert in quality and population health. Learn what launched Dr. Fabius into action in his own practice.