Promoting Tailored Decision-Making Support for Persons with Disabilities: A PFW and MCW Partnership

Project Description Narrative:

People with disabilities are often assigned a surrogate decision-maker to represent them in making decisions surrounding their health and well-being. The newer concept of supported decision-making (SDM) helps people with disabilities to maintain their legal rights and autonomy to make decisions for themselves, with support. In Wisconsin, legislation was recently passed affirming that all adults, including people with disabilities, have the right to make their own health-related decisions, among others related to their personal rights as a legal adult.

This project aims to identify which medical specialties have the greatest need for SMD education and what barriers exist to implementing SDM agreements in healthcare practices. Ultimately, researchers aspire to educate more clinicians and medical students and encourage more understanding, confidence, and compassion for helping people with disabilities and their families.