Critical Decisions audiobook

It isn't often the case, but I know Peter Ubel, the author, so I'm a bit biased. I think Peter's done a nice job of summarizing important lessons that he and other researchers have learned about how we can improve communication between physicians and patients. I'd say as a whole he's done a very solid job, but this is still an evolutionary time. The revolution was patient empowerment, and we're still trying to figure out what to do with it. Peter has a range of good suggestions, but I'd judge he's still searching for what works, as are many of us who take care of patients and care about communication. Some of the book is quite potent (his personal insights, particularly), but the last few chapters don't quite "bring it home" to a tight conclusion. Worthwhile and recommended.

Ubel has taken a survey of the tremendous body of work he and a lot of other talented researchers have amassed in the decades since he became a physician. The book is a unique blend of bioethics, medicine, psychology, and behavioral economics, among other areas of study. It begins with an historical overview of bioethics, beginning with Hippocrates, and details why the wisdom of the ages suddenly became inadequate for responding to the environment of modern medical practice. He details the rocky history through which these inadequacies were discovered: individual patients who received treatments they never would have chosen due to paternalistic biases of their physicians, violations of the rights of people involved in medical research due to unrecognized conflicts of interest of participating researchers, and day-to-day heartache during medical crises due to poor communication between patients and physicians.Ubel does a masterly job of explaining complex concepts clearly. He explains all the ways that cognitive biases and emotions alter our processing around medical diagnoses and treatments. And he provides helpful ways for patients to prepare themselves to meet these biases, and to communicate as effectively as possible with physicians.The book ends with a vivid illustration of the challenges we face going forward. Ubel details the difficult decisions he and his wife faced - and even some they were not informed about - during her recent diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. When the most prepared and empowered people face such difficulties, it is obvious how far we have to go. Fortunately, lots of patients and physicians are committed to helping the cultural change to occur. When we get there, the norm will be true collaboration between patients and physicians to make the best decision for each individual - shared decision-making will be a reality.

While not a nail biter- This is an important read for everyone. facing a serious medical threat is something we will likely all have to deal with at some point in our lives- be it our own or with a loved one. I read it out of curiosity and it still held my attention throughout. Its not exciting, but it is very interesting, It contains a lot of data about how decisions are made in the human brain based on the information presented, how our brains respond to threats and how Doctors view the dissemination of that information and what is going on in their brains too. Maybe I was so fascinated because I was closely involved in my father's medical decisions at the end of his life, often going to Drs appointments with him and could relate- I wish I had read this book then. Even if you haven't been in that situation, chances are one day you will be, either making your own decisions or helping a loved one. If God willing you never are, its still fascinating how human brains work on both sides of the examining table, and how imperfect medical science really is. That imperfection maybe the most important lesson learned in this book as we look to doctors for guidance. Imperfect information, varying results based on individuals, our imperfect brains clouded with emotion and our doctors who are human too- its a very dynamic relationship between patient, loved ones, providers, researchers and administrators- all of whom are human- who are involved in the very emotional decision making involved in what could be life and death decisions.

Critical Decisions is a phenomenal read; in an ideal world, this would be issued to every healthcare provider and patient as mandatory reading.The fundamental premise is this: in today's healthcare system, we have this ideal of shared decision making, but what does that really mean, and how do we operationally put that into practice? How did the concept of patient-centered care and participatory medicine come to exist? How can doctors let patients' values and interests drive clinical decisions while incorporating their own experiences and knowledge? What are some ways that our perceptions and behaviors affect the way we understand risk, compare anticipated outcomes, and make choices?For healthcare providers, Critical Decisions is a great balance of clinical ethics, behavioral economics, and medical humanities that will certainly inform the way that you make decisions with patients in daily practice. As an EMT, I've found it informative for my daily work. Likewise, for patients, I expect that this book is a guidebook to understanding how your doctor thinks and communicates, and how you can be a more engaged advocate for yourself (or for a loved one who is a patient).Excellent, excellent read that blends theory and practice well and speaks to a broad audience of diverse interests.

I found this book very entertaining and worthwhile to read. It tells the story of how our society went from 'doctor knows best,' to 'doctors should just give patients information to make their own decisions,' to hopefully a future of shared decision making. It uses a lot of anecdotes and some behavioral psychology of decision making. I found those parts kind of redundant because I've learned a lot about it but over all I'd recommend the book if you have an interest in healthcare.