4.2.e Allow Time for Consideration: A PCDM Key Element

Although most people have difficulty making health care decisions quickly, sometimes the situation calls for an urgent decision. Even in these instances, people want time to reflect on and react to the options that are presented to them (16). In Changing Childbirth in BC, a large community-based participatory action research project, people from diverse socio-cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds reported that they held back their questions from their care provider if their provider seemed rushed, if they had a difference of opinion with their provider about care for themselves or their newborn, or if they thought the provider might think they were being difficult. These experience made them score significantly lower on two quality measures, the Mothers Autonomy in Decision Making (MADM) scale and the Mothers On Respect (MOR) index.

When engaging in person-centred decision making conversations, check on the person’s need for time to reflect. People may want time to consult with family, friends, or their community. They may also need time to review the options being presented, and may want to do their own research into the matter. Having time to reflect may lead to more questions that in turn will require a further round of clarification and discussion about options and the decisions to be made.

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