You know your body, your daily life and what matters most to you. Your health care team has medical knowledge and experience. Shared decision making brings these perspectives together. 

Shared decision making means working with your health care team to make informed decisions about your care. Your provider brings medical knowledge and experience, while you bring an understanding of your body, goals, values, needs, and daily life. Together, you can discuss your options and develop a treatment plan that works for you. 

Through conversation, you and your health care team can review your options, discuss the possible benefits and risks, and choose a plan that fits your health needs and lifestyle. 

Shared decision making does not mean that you have to make difficult medical decisions alone. It means that you have a voice in decisions about your care. You are an important member of your health care team! 

What is shared decision making? 

Shared decision making is a process in which patients and health care professionals work together to make health care decisions. During this process: 

• Your provider explains your condition and the available options.  
• You ask questions about the possible benefits, risks, side effects, and costs of each option.  
• You share your goals, preferences, concerns, and personal circumstances.  

Why is it important for people with bleeding disorders? 

Bleeding disorder care is personal. A treatment that works well for one person may not be the best fit for another. Treatment decisions may depend on: 

• Your diagnosis and bleeding history  
• How well your current treatment controls bleeding   
• Side effects or other health conditions  
• Work, school, travel, sports, and family responsibilities  
• Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs  

Before your appointment 

Some preparation can make it easier to talk with your health care team. Think about: 

• Are you experiencing breakthrough bleeds?  
• Is your current treatment difficult to manage?  
• Is treatment affecting your daily life?  
• Does cost, insurance coverage, or travel create problems?  

How to prepare 

• Write down your questions. Appointments can feel rushed, and it is easy to forget what you want to ask.  
• Bring useful information, such as a medication list or bleeding log.  
• Understand your options and think about your daily life. How does your care affect work, school, travel and other activities. 

During the conversation 

Be honest about what is—and is not—working for you. Your provider needs to understand your experiences, concerns, and priorities to help identify an appropriate plan. It is okay to say: 

• “I don’t understand. Can you explain that another way?”  
• “I am concerned about how this will fit into my daily life.”  
• “Cost is an important part of this decision for me.”  

After a decision is made 

Shared decision making does not end when you select a treatment. The decision can be reviewed when your health, needs, or treatment options change. 

Continue to tell your health care team how the plan is working. Contact your team if your bleeding pattern changes, you experience new symptoms or side effects, or your insurance coverage or costs change.