Shared Decision-making between health care providers and patients at a Tertiary Hospital Diabetic Clinic in Tanzania
Abstract Background Patients’ participation in decision making regarding their treatment play an important role in treatment outcome through improvement in self-care and adherence to treatment. There is scarcity of information regarding shared decision making in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to assess participation of patients and health care providers in decision-making process in the diabetic clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Methods This study employed a phenomenological study design using in-depth interview technique. Study participants were diabetic patients visiting the clinic and healthcare providers working in the diabetic clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital. Data was collected using interview guide with open ended questions using an audio digital recorder. Content analysis method was used during analysis whereby categories were reached through the process of coding with assistance by Nvivo 12 software. Results Several themes were identified in this study including some form of participation in decision making of patients, use of decision aids in the clinic and belief and values regarding patients’ engagement in decision making. Several factors were identified as barriers to shared decision making as noted from participants interview, these included lack of time, literacy level, beliefs and values. Decision aids were reported to be important for improving patient’s knowledge and subsequently their involvement in decisions that were made although it was also noted that these were not prepared by the health care providers in the clinic and they were not adequately provided.Conclusion Some form of participation in decision making was observed in the diabetic clinic at Muhimbili national Hospital, and barriers identified for shared decision-making included time, literacy, beliefs and values.