Table 1.

Steps of the shared decision making process as reported by patients in the Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q).

SDM-Q	'agree'(%)
Step 1: Disclosure that a decision needs to be made
My doctor told me that a treatment decision is necessary.	83.3
Step 2: Formulation of equality of partners
My doctor asked me if I want to participate in decision making.	91.7
Step 3: Equipoise statement
Due to my medical condition, a treatment decision based on the physicians' recommendation is already clear.	78.6
Step 4: Informing on the options' benefits and risks
My doctor has informed me about a variety of alternatives.	85.9
The possibility to choose no treatment was also discussed.	72.9
Step 5: Investigation of patient's understanding and expectations
I have mentioned other possibilities that my doctor has not referred to.	19.8
My doctor has asked me what I think about different treatment options.	77.6
Step 6: Identification of preferences (both)
I have communicated to my doctor which decision I prefer.	74.5
My doctor has told me which decision he prefers.	90.6
Step 7: Negotiation
In the selection of a treatment method, my thoughts were taken into account just as much as the considerations of my doctor.	97.4
My doctor and I thoroughly considered the different treatment options.	93.2
Step 8: Shared decision making
My doctor enabled me to actively participate in decision making about treatment.	88.5
My doctor and I selected a treatment together.	88.5
Step 9: Arrangement of follow-up
My doctor and I reached an agreement as to how we will proceed.	92.2