The Journal of surgical research
-
Shared decision-making (SDM) is touted as the preferred approach to clinical counseling. However, few data exist regarding whether patients prefer SDM over surgeon-guided discussions for complex surgical decision-making. Even fewer data exist regarding surgeon preferences. Such issues may be especially pronounced in pediatric surgery given the complex decision-making triad between patients/parents and surgeons. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate patient/parent and surgeon attitudes toward SDM in pediatric surgery. ⋯ Despite recommendations that SDM is the preferred approach to clinical counseling, our systematic literature review shows that few studies evaluate patient/parent and surgeon attitudes toward SDM in pediatric surgery. Of these studies, very few focus on complex, urgent/emergent decision-making. Further research is needed to understand whether patients/parents, as well as surgeons, may prefer a more surgeon-guided approach to decision-making, especially when surgery is complex or taking place in urgent/emergent settings.