Healthcare professionals’ views on shared decision-making in plastic surgery in the Netherlands

Background In shared decision-making (SDM), patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) reach a joint clinical decision, based on the best available evidence and the patient’s preferences. SDM seems particularly valuable within plastic surgery, as often multiple treatment options are available. The aim of this cross-sectional online survey study was to assess HCPs’ views and knowledge about SDM, to identify facilitators and barriers of SDM, and to determine specific requirements for SDM within plastic surgery. Methods Participants were HCPs working in plastic surgery in the Netherlands. Participant characteristics, SDM-knowledge, perceived facilitators and barriers, and requirements were assessed using a custom-made online survey. Two researchers thematically analyzed qualitative data. Results We received 124 responses (response rate 23%). Most respondents were attending plastic surgeons (79%), and 60% had more than 10 years of experience. Almost all respondents considered SDM important (91%), and most (78%) indicated that they applied SDM during consultations. However, only 15% of the HCPs showed comprehensive understanding of the principle of SDM. Sufficient time, available sources of information (on treatment options and SDM) and decision support tools were identified as important requirements for SDM. Conclusions Despite the positive attitudes towards SDM, there is a clear need for SDM-training of HCPs, uniform sources of information and guidelines, as well as improved awareness and availability of decision support tools. National plastic surgery societies can play a crucial role in improving SDM-related knowledge, the availability of information and decision support tools, as well as the implementation of SDM in the field of plastic surgery.