Clinical Guidelines
Contra Costa Health Plan is committed to supporting our providers with evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to ensure high-quality care and optimal patient outcomes. These guidelines cover a range of clinical areas and are regularly updated to reflect the latest research and best practices. Providers are encouraged to use these guidelines to inform their clinical decision-making and enhance patient care. All Clinical Practice Guidelines are reviewed and approved by CCHP’s Quality Council.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Shared Decision Making
Shared Decision Making (SDM) tools refer to the process when a provider and patient partner together to make decisions about their care plans, treatments, and tests. SDM are tools that foster open communication/dialogue between a provider and patient regarding the next course of action for their health. This collaborative process ensures that the patient will be given the opportunity to participate in their health care decision.
Benefits of shared decision-making include:
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Takes into consideration the provider’s knowledge and experience.
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Promotes patient’s engagement and input in decision making.
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Reduces uncertainty and miscommunication.
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Fosters trust and collaboration between patient and provider
The SHARE approach was developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to support training health care professionals on how to engage patients in their healthcare decision making.
Step 1: Seek your patient's participation.
Step 2: Help your patient explore and compare treatment options.
Step 3: Assess your patient's values and preferences.
Step 4: Reach a decision with your patient.
Step 5: Evaluate your patient's decision.
Some examples of SDM tools:
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University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Optimal medication or lifestyle change to control hypertension - Deciding About Taking Blood Pressure Medicine
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SAMSHA – Decisions in Recovery – Treatment for Opioid use Disorder Handbook - Decisions in Recovery: Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders | SAMHSA
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American Medical Association - Heart Disease Interactive Video for Aortic Stenosis
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American College of Cardiology - Atrial Fibrillation, aortic stenosis, and heart failure
More information on SDM:
Other Clinical Resources
- American Academy of Pediatric Bright Future Guidelines and Pocket Guide
- American Diabetes Association: Clinical Practice Guidelines
- ACOG Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy: Committee Opinion
- California Smoker's Helpline
- CDC Tuberculosis Screening Guidelines and TB Treatment
- CDC Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
- High Blood Pressure JNC7 Reference Card
- NIH NHLBI Management of Blood Cholesterol in Adults
- NIH NHLBI Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
- RAMP Asthma Action Plans
- Providing Care for Children in Immigrant Families
- Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence