Partizipative Entscheidungsfindung in der Notfallmedizin

In shared decision-making, patients and physicians work together when more than one reasonable approach to a medical situation is justifiable. This method of care has been evaluated in several studies but is still far from being the standard of care. The USA is pioneering in the topic of shared decision-making in emergency medicine, while in other countries – especially Germany – it is rarely discussed. Respecting the current debate about reforms in the German emergency healthcare system, this article describes the current situation of shared decision-making in emergency medicine and highlights possible ethical, legal and economic benefits.