Table 3.

Example phrases to start shared decision making.

Step	Aim	Example
Creating choice awareness	To make the patient aware that there is more than 1 way forward, that a decision needs to be made on whether and which diagnostic test to use, and that the best way forward depends on what matters most to the patient	“The aim is that we decide (together) which diagnostic test we will perform.”
Provide information	To assess patients’ preferences	“There is much to tell about the different diagnostic tests. Some patients would like to hear as much as possible, while other patients do not want to know too much. What do you prefer?”
	To inform on the different diagnostic test possibilities	“What would you like to know about the possibilities for diagnostic testing?”; or “There are 3 possibilities, namely…”
	To inform on the pros and cons in general or for a specific test	“Would you like to know more about the possible pros and cons?”
	To inform which results can be expected	“I will tell you something about the kind of results that you can expect when we perform a specific test”
Explore preferences	To explore preferences and considerations from the patient	“I have told you about the possibilities, what are your considerations?”
	To estimate the decision preferences of the patient. Does the patient want to be involved in the decision or does the patient want the clinician to decide	“Some patients would like to decide with the clinician which test to perform, while others would like the clinician to decide. What do you prefer?”
Decide	To make a shared decision; a balanced decision that both parties support, and communicate this	“We decide to do [X], because you indicated that [preferences patient].”
	To formulate an advice, in which the preferences of the patient are taken into account, and communicate this	“I propose [X], based on [preferences patient, guidelines, experience, preferences clinician]. Do you agree?”