Given that household natural hazard preparedness is typically a joint decision-making process shared between spouses (Hung 2017), and given that partners do not necessarily agree with one another on preparedness, asking one person to answer questions about household natural hazard preparedness might result in incomplete or inaccurate information.
In the doctor-patient relationship, the physician plays a central role as consultant, who not only offers information, but also involves patients in the decision-making process (shared decision-making).
Thus, identifying pregnant women's perceptions about shared decision making is a necessary precursor to promoting their active participation and autonomy in the shared decision making process in the context of both prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis of DS [ 22].
It is suggested that patients were more satisfied with the shared decision making process than physicians.
Ideally, these discussions should emphasize the shared decision making process between parents and physicians.
This study exemplifies the first stage of shared decision making process, namely, establishing patient treatment preferences.
We do not use the term 'concordance' because it assumes a shared decision making process between patients and doctors [ 4].
As part of the shared decision making process, evidence is brought into the discussion and patients' concerns and expectations are explicitly sought and discussed [ 27].
Increasing individual autonomy, empowerment, and sensitive introduction of hope may be central to a shared decision making process and are well recognised themes within personal recovery narratives [ 10].
Here we must be clear that the shared decision making process itself, initiated through this decision aid and independent of the final choice(s) made, has significant clinical value that should not be marginalized.
Our findings can be used to enhance the shared decision making process, with more attention given to ensuring that men understand the key features of the PSA test, and recognise the potential downside of an increased risk of diagnosis.
