When shared decision-making and evidence based practice clash: Infant sleep practices

Abstract

In complex decisions, there are times when there may be a conflict between the recommendations from clinical practice guidelines and the outcome of a shared decision-making process between the clinician and the patient. Sticking rigidly to practice guidelines can be seen as paternalistic and even dismissive of a patient's specific circumstances and preferences; however, failing to adhere to such guidelines can be troubling for many doctors. In this article, we present and discuss this conflict using the common problem of how to provide family-centred, yet evidence-based guidance on infant sleep practices. Infant sleep practices are a common discussion topic at well-baby visits, and family preferences for infant sleep practices are often at odds with national recommendations. With three cases as a backdrop, we discuss how cultural humility, complexity and trust can be key factors in how the clinician-parent discussion on infant sleep can incorporate safe sleep guidelines into a family-centred, culturally relevant discussion.