Critical Decisions: How You and Your Doctor Can Make the Right Medical Choices Together
In this passionate plea for patient empowerment, Ubel, a physician with a background in bioethics and behavioral science, promotes ways to assist people in making medical decisions. The best choices must always take into account a patient’s particular values. Major obstacles to shared decision-making by patients and their doctors can include medical terminology (a language barrier), empathy deficit (physicians failing to grasp the emotional needs of patients), and the inability of patients to adequately understand medical evidence (e.g., to comprehend statistics). Ubel uses the stories of patients and his own clinical experiences to illustrate his points. An excellent chapter describes the treatment of his wife’s invasive breast cancer along with the many medical questions and decisions that faced the couple. Ubel’s advice to doctors is solid: “Physicians need to offer recommendations with humility and in a manner that invites divergence of opinion.” His suggestions for patients are equally sage: Be informed. Listen carefully. Ask questions. Get guidance from family, friends, and doctors. Don’t rush big decisions. Always remember, you’re not alone. --Tony Miksanek