Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. In view of the restricted budgets, difficulties in the Department and ever increasing population, I refer to the experience in other countries in the field of health economics and the notion of shared decision-making, which could benefit Ireland. It is a potential path to better health outcomes and lower costs. I am calling for trials in this regard in Ireland. Shared decision-making can reduce the demand by as much as 25% across a range of clinical conditions leading to massive savings, fewer complications and more satisfaction. Instead of inflicting indiscriminate cuts on our health system, share decision-making is a way to work smarter. Patients involved in shared decision-making often choose a less intensive form of treatment leading to better health outcomes and lower costs. In Ireland, there has been much talk about reducing the dependence on hospital care but few practical tools have been given to patients to achieve this. This is an exciting solution and a wealth of international evidence demonstrates positive effects.

Shared decision-making informs patients on the risks and benefits of health care and it empowers individuals towards a more active partnership with their doctors. It is irrelevant when patient preferences should play a role in selecting the treatment strategy. For example, somebody may believe he or she needs a hip operation but when he or she is informed of the various options, that may not be the ideal solution. Other examples are patients with mild, stable heart disease who can choose between the best medical therapy and surgery as well as those who need cataract surgery or treatment for certain back injuries. A wealth of evidence demonstrates the benefits of this option in settings such as Canada, the US and Norway. The UK has invested much policy effort in this innovation. It is vital that Ireland should also examine this. The next step would be to consider how shared decision-making could be implemented on a pilot basis. It could potentially drive down costs while improving the appropriateness of health care and satisfaction. We urgently require trials to measure its effect in Ireland. If used appropriately, this could be an important factor in effectively managing our health budget and maximising the health of our citizens. Will the Minister comment on this? Has its use in other jurisdictions been examined? Has its implementation been considered?