Work

The effectiveness of training programs on nurse’s shared decision making: a systematic review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Shared decision-making (SDM) is a key component of patient-centered care, with nurses playing an important role in supporting patient involvement in healthcare decisions. However, evidence on the effectiveness of SDM training programs for nurses remains limited and heterogeneous. This review seeks to assess the impact of training programs on nurses’ SDM and to identify the typical learning formats used in SDM training programs for nurses. This systematic review followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A search was conducted across four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), covering the period from January 2012 to July 2026, using a strategy that incorporated both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and relevant keywords. Eligible studies included randomized, quasi-experimental, and mixed-methods designs evaluating SDM training for nurses. The Integrated Quality Criteria for Review of Multiple Study designs (ICROMS) tool was employed to evaluate the risk of bias, and the Kirkpatrick Model was utilized to assess the effectiveness of the training programs. Of the 977 records, 6 studies were synthesized using a qualitative description focusing on two main areas: training program effectiveness and format. Almost studies assessed the effectiveness of educational programs at level 2 of the Kirkpatrick Model with only one additionally assessing Level 1 and another assessing Level 3. Training programs were associated with improvements in nurses’ SDM-related competencies, attitudes, engagement, moral sensitivity, and acceptability. Four training formats were identified: workshop-only, workshop with homework, blended learning, and web-based programs, with workshop-based approaches being the most frequently used. Overall, current evidence suggests that SDM training is a promising educational strategy for strengthening nurses’ capacity to support SDM in clinical practice. These programs may improve nurses’ competence, confidence, knowledge, attitudes, engagement, acceptability, and moral sensitivity toward patient- and family-centered care. However, the evidence is limited by the small number of studies, heterogeneity in interventions and outcome measures, and the absence of evaluations at higher Kirkpatrick levels. Future high-quality studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to determine whether these improvements translate into sustained behavioral change and better patient outcomes.

Source: BMC Family Practice

DOI: 10.1186/s12875-026-03524-x

Authors: Thi Thuy Nga Nguyen, Thi Loan Dang, Thi Ngoc Pham

Institutions: Vinmec Times City International Hospital, VinUniversity, Thang Long University

Language: English

Topic: Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,790