Critical Decisions

By: Peter A Ubel

Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

We've all been there, sitting uncomfortably in a paper gown as a doctor impassively describes our prognosis. Sometimes it's simple and treatable. Other times we get news we can't fathom and then are faced with decisions that are literally life and death.

In this revolutionary book, physician, behavioral scientist, and bioethicist Peter Ubel, M.D., reveals how hidden dynamics in the doctor/patient relationship keep us and our loved ones from making the best medical choices. From doctors who struggle to explain, to patients who fail to properly listen, countless factors alter the course of our care, causing things to go seriously awry.

With riveting stories of Ubel's own experience in the field, his groundbreaking research, and his personal journey walking loved ones through difficult treatment choices, Critical Decisions will forever change the way we communicate inside hospitals and medical offices, where thoughtful decision making matters the most. Dr. Ubel has been on both ends of the stethoscope, and in this book, he shows how patients and doctors can learn to become partners and work together to make the right choices. From choosing to get surgery, to discussing the side effects of a blood pressure medication, we can finally discover the tools to improve communication, understand the issues, and make confident decisions for our future health and happiness.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2012 Peter A. Ubel (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Brilliant Presentation of How Medical decision processes must change

This book is an outstanding presentation of the real and deep problems faced by doctors and patients in realizing the dream of patient empowerment in their medical decisions. Sure, there has a language barrier, in both directions. Sure, patients lack information they need to make good decisions. But this book goes into the nuances of patient preferences and factoring in their emotions and biases into decision making. Every doctor and every patient facing or that well face tough medical decisions should read this book. Because we are all mortal, that means everyone.

If you are or will be a patient, read this

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book does a great job of distilling lots of information into one book.

The author has done a lot of research to help patients and physicians make decisions on how best to meet their needs and to give the patients the best care possible. Dr. Ubel reviews the history of patient/doctor decision making, carefully appraises where we are now, and makes thoughtful suggestions on how we can proceed. In addition to the patient/doctor dynamic, he touches on behavioral economics, evidence based medicine, and many other excellent topics that are making a profound differences in people's lives.

Do yourself and your loved ones a favor, get and read this book. You won't regret it.

What other book might you compare Critical Decisions to and why?

This book combines lots of different areas into a single book. He touches on decision theory, behavioral economics, statistics. It is hard to find one to compare it to.

What about Erik Synnestvedt’s performance did you like?

The narrator did a good job. He has a nice easy going style that worked well for this book.