Society for Medical Decision Making

Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM) logo

Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM) is an international organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through the advancement of proactive and systematic approaches to clinical decision making and policy-formation in healthcare by integrating the principles of multiple criteria decision analysis, evidence-based medicine, and health economics. The society focuses on promoting the understanding and use of patient-centered, evidence-based decision making and methodologies in healthcare.

History

The Society for Medical Decision Making was established in 1979, with the aim of bringing together professionals from various disciplines, including medicine, psychology, health economics, and statistics, who are interested in making informed and effective decisions in medical and health care practices. Since its inception, SMDM has grown to include members from over 18 countries, reflecting its international scope and the global importance of medical decision making.

Mission

The mission of the SMDM is to improve health outcomes through the development and application of systematic approaches to clinical decision making and policy-formation in healthcare. This involves promoting the integration of evidence-based data and patient preferences into healthcare decisions, enhancing the communication and understanding of these decisions among healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers, and advancing the field of medical decision making through research, education, and policy development.

Activities

SMDM engages in a wide range of activities to fulfill its mission, including:

• Annual Meetings: Hosting international conferences that serve as a platform for members to present research findings, discuss current issues in medical decision making, and network with peers.
• Journal Publication: Publishing Medical Decision Making, a peer-reviewed journal that covers theoretical, empirical, and applied research in the health decision sciences.
• Education and Training: Offering educational programs, workshops, and webinars to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of medical decision making.
• Policy Advocacy: Working to influence health policy decisions by providing evidence-based recommendations and decision-making tools to policymakers and stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

Membership

Membership in SMDM is open to anyone interested in the field of medical decision making, including clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers, and students. Members benefit from access to the society's journal, discounted registration fees for conferences, and opportunities for professional development and networking.

Impact

The work of the Society for Medical Decision Making has significantly contributed to the advancement of healthcare decision making. By promoting the use of evidence-based practices and decision analysis, SMDM has helped to improve the quality and outcomes of healthcare, ensuring that patient care is both effective and efficient. The society's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration has also fostered a more holistic approach to medical decision making, integrating diverse perspectives and expertise.

See Also

• Evidence-based medicine
• Health economics
• Clinical decision support system
• Patient-centered care