Making Medical Decisions

We've all been there, sittinguncomfortably in a paper gownas a doctor impassively describesour prognosis. Sometimes it's simple andtreatable. Other times we get news wecan't fathom and then are faced withdecisions that are literally life and death. In this revolutionary book, physician,behavioral scientist, and bioethicist PeterUbel, M.D., reveals how hidden dynamicsin the doctor/patient relationship keepus and our loved ones from making thebest medical choices. From doctors whostruggle to explain, to patients who failto properly listen, countless factors alterthe course of our care, causing things togo seriously awry. With riveting stories of Ubel's own experiencein the field, his groundbreakingresearch, and his personal journey walkingloved ones through difficult treatmentchoices, Critical Decisions will foreverchange the way we communicate insidehospitals and medical offices, wherethoughtful decision making matters themost. Dr. Ubel has been on both endsof the stethoscope, and in this book,he shows how patients and doctorscan learn to become partners and worktogether to make the right choices. Fromchoosing to get surgery, to discussingthe side effects of a blood pressure medication,we can finally discover the toolsto improve communication, understandthe issues, and make confident decisionsfor our future health and happiness.

Never before have the powerful techniques of decision analysis had more importance for patient and doctor. This book translates the major principles of medical decision making into clinically relevant and easy-to-understand terms. Filled with examples drawn from patient care and familiar games of chance, Making Medical Decisions teaches the reader how to feel confident about giving the best advice in the face of the inherent uncertainties of real-world medicine.

An evidence-based analysis of the opportunities and challenges of moving towards more person-centred health systems.

Decision making is a key activity, perhaps the most important activity, in the practice of healthcare. Although physicians acquire a great deal of knowledge and specialised skills during their training and through their practice, it is in the exercise of clinical judgement and its application to individual patients that the outstanding physician is distinguished. This has become even more relevant as patients become increasingly welcomed as partners in a shared decision making process. This book translates the research and theory from the science of decision making into clinically useful tools and principles that can be applied by clinicians in the field. It considers issues of patient goals, uncertainty, judgement, choice, development of new information, and family and social concerns in healthcare. It helps to demystify decision theory by emphasizing concepts and clinical cases over mathematics and computation.

Making Tough Decisions about End-of-Life Care in Dementia is a lifeline, an invaluable guide to assist in the late stage of dementia.

Drs. Groopman and Hartzband reveal a clear path for making the right medical choices. Such factors as authority figures, statistics, other patients' stories, technology, and natural healing are key factors that shape choices.

Minimize risk for every surgery-bound patient with this concise, high-yield clinical reference “The accuracy and readability of this [book] is excellent... the writing style is appropriate, informative, and suitable for the primary care clinician. The topics are well researched [and] the clinical recommendations reflect the most current guidelines.”—Robert C. Lavender, MD, FACP “The editor and contributing authors are all highly credible authorities and experienced clinicians... This is an extremely well-written, evidence-based text that fills a real gap. It should be useful not only to its intended audience, but also to surgeons and surgical trainees who often provide the initial management of these situations in the absence of consultants.”—Doody’s Review Service With new surgical advances and innovations, more older, sicker, higher-risk patients are undergoing surgery. Expertly assessing and managing patients with comorbidities who are undergoing surgical procedures is an absolutely critical task today—and Decision Making in Perioperative Medicine: Clinical Pearls will ensure that you make the right decisions through every step of the process. Which risk calculator should you use? How long should you delay surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention? Should the patient continue taking aspirin? How long before surgery should you stop a direct-acting oral anticoagulant? Decision Making in Perioperative Medicine: Clinical Pearls answers your questions when it comes to perioperative care. Filled with algorithms, tables, and clinical pearls, this practical resource is organized into three sections: Key takeaways on preoperative evaluation, testing, anesthesia, and medication management Expert guidance on evaluating the effect of comorbidities on surgical outcome and providing strategies for medical optimization to minimize risk Review of common postoperative medical complications and treatment Whether you’re a hospitalist, internist, family physician, anesthesiologist, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, Decision Making in Perioperative Medicine: Clinical Pearls provides the evidence-based information and insights you need to make sure every surgery-bound patient receives the quality of care and management they deserve.