|
The informed decision-making process
A truly informed medical decision is a long process in which you take responsibility for a number of choices. In this web site you found information about spine conditions and treatment options, but the final decision is only yours.
1. Understand your condition
The first step is understanding your condition. An informed decision is based on knowledge about your disease. Your healthcare professional will play a big role in explaining your specific back condition based on the diagnostic. However, you should actively participate, reading the literature that your surgeon will give to you and getting informed by reliable sources.
2. Risks and benefits
Always weigh the risks and benefits associated with the treatment options. Only you can understand the impact that your condition has on your daily life. It is possible that in some cases the risk of a particular treatment is greater than the benefits. Making an accurate decision includes discussing the potential consequences with your family and your healthcare professional.
3. Realistic expectations
Determining your objectives after the surgery is important to develop realistic expectations. Whatever is your aim -relieving pain or back to sport activities, you should discuss it with your healthcare professional. Make sure that your expectations correspond with the prospect of your surgeon.
4. Recovery time
The surgery is not a solution in itself. You must be committed to follow all the instructions your surgeon will give to you after the surgery. Having the right mental attitude can make the difference in your recovery: you must be ready to face a course of post-operative work to gain the physical ability you may have lost after the surgery.
5. Make a final decision
Making a final decision after an aware evaluation, will lead to a better recovery. Realistic goals and awareness often mean less anxiety. In the past, ownership of the decision making process was assigned to the healthcare professional. Today, patients are active participants of their health, abandoning the passive role.
|
