Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Whitney, Simon

Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Grant Title: A New Approach to the Allocation of Decisional Authority
Grant Number: K08 HS011289
Duration: 4 years (2000-2004)
Total Award: $491,400

Project Description: This project has 4 main goals:

1. To develop and refine the theoretical model characterizing the appropriate allocation of decisional authority between patient and physician based on the underlying characteristics of the decision in question.
2. To develop and validate a measure of decisional authority, for use by patients and physicians, so that the theoretical model can be tested empirically.
3. To conduct a series of descriptive studies, using the measure of decisional authority, to test specific hypotheses regarding preferences for decisional authority.
4. Based on observations from 3 above, to prepare an R01 application to extend the work.

Career Goals: Dr. Whitney is a family physician with 12 years' experience in private practice. He is also a law school graduate and served a one-year fellowship in biomedical ethics. He desires further training to provide him with a greater understanding of the methodologies  and diverse topics of his research.

Progress to Date: Dr. Whitney has successfully completed his K award.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Professional Societies:
  • American Medical Association.
  • American Academy of Family Practice.
  • Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.
  • Society for Clinical Trials.
  • Applied Research and Ethics National Association.
  • American Society for Bioethics and Humanities.

K-Generated Publications:

• Whitney SN. A New Model of Medical Decisions: Exploring the Limits of Shared Decision Making. Medical Decision 2003;23(4):275-80.
• Whitney SN, McGuire AL, McCullough LB. A typology of shared decisionmaking, informed consent, and simple consent. Annals of Internal Medicine 2004;140(1):54-9.
• McGuire AL, McCullough LB, Weller SC, Whitney SN. Physicians' Views of Patients' Participation in Medical decisionmaking. Medical Care 2005;(43)5:466-70.

AHRQ Research Portfolio: Care Management; Training.
AHRQ Goals: Effectiveness

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