Shared decision‐making with adults transitioning to long‐term care: A scoping review

BACKGROUND: Transitions to long‐term care are challenging for individuals and often associated with a loss of autonomy. Positive experiences are noted, especially when decisions involve the individual in a person‐centred way which are respectful of the person's human rights. One approach which facilitates self‐determination during a transitional period is shared decision‐making, but there is a lack of clarity on the nature and extent of research evidence in this area. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and document research related to shared decision‐making and transitioning to long‐term care. METHODS: A comprehensive search in CINAHL, Medline and Psych‐info identified papers which included evidence of shared decision‐making during transitions to a long‐term care setting. The review following the JBI and PAGER framework for scoping reviews. Data were extracted, charted and analysed according to patterns, advances, gaps, research recommendations and evidence for practice. RESULTS: Eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria. A body of knowledge was identified encompassing the pattern advancements in shared decision‐making during transitions to long‐term care, representing developments in both the evidence base and methodological approaches. Further patterns offer evidence of the facilitators and barriers experienced by the person, their families and the professional's involved. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence identified the complexity of such decision‐making with efforts to engage in shared decision‐making often constrained by the availability of resources, the skills of professionals and time. The findings recognise the need for partnership and person‐centred approaches to optimise transitions. The review demonstrates evidence of approaches that can inform future practice and research to support all adult populations who may be faced with a transitional decision to actively participate in decision‐making.