Physicians' and residents' educational needs regarding shared decision making: A focus group study

Objectives: To explore the educational needs of physicians and residents regarding shared decision making (SDM). Methods: We conducted eight focus groups with 12 general practitioners (GPs), 14 hospital specialists, 12 hospital specialist residents and 13 GP residents in Belgium. We used thematic analysis to guide data analysis. Results: We identified five educational needs: (1) the need for a clear understanding of the definition of SDM and its scope; (2) how to deal with a changing professional identity; (3) acquisition of skills to perform SDM; (4) the need for reflective practice in a supportive environment; and (5) sustainable and longitudinal integration in education. Conclusions: This is the first focus group study emphasizing dealing with a changing professional identity as an educational need, besides the need for SDM-related knowledge and skills. Physicians stated that implementing spiral learning is needed at all stages of medical training, aimed at all specialties to foster interprofessional collaboration. Practice implications: Our findings can support development of future educational SDM interventions, integrating both competence development and professional identity formation. We provide practical recommendations on didactic formats and strategies, hoping to finally reach better implementation of SDM in daily practice.