**5.2 The pros and cons**

The perceived potential benefits when applying SDM are multiple and include the improvement of patient's knowledge and self-esteem, even though not all of

#### *Shared Decision-Making towards a Higher Quality of Care: Is This the Norm? DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98752*

them are conclusively proven. It also improves patient's risk perception and reduces their anxiety. It is worth noting that the main drawbacks cited are usually based on clinicians' perceptions rather than an evidence base. Not all patients request it and not all consultations are suited to such approach as it takes more time and requires special training from the doctor's side [16].

A recent systematic review by [17] looked into the barriers and facilitators of SDM in clinical practice. It was found that the most commonly identified facilitators were positive impact on the clinical process, provider motivation, and positive impact on patient important outcomes. On the other side, common barriers were time constraints, lack of applicability due to the characteristics of the population, and the clinical situation.
