This report aims to inform health care professionals, commissioners and providers about what to consider when implementing shared decision making and self-management support as part of their drive to make person-centred care a reality.

The report draws on a broad-ranging Health Foundation research project that set out to bring together the evidence on shared decision making and self-management support. The research team examined and analysed empirical evidence, reviewed policy documents and commentaries and, through documentary sources and in-depth interviews, explored 11 implementation programmes. Their findings are available in Person-centred care: from ideas to action.

This learning report focuses on what the research shows needs to be done to embed shared decision making and self-management support in day-to-day, routine NHS practice.