Beyond the checklist: The art of shared decision-making
Shared decision-making is widely endorsed, but what does it look like in practice, and how has the thinking evolved?
Overview
Shared decision-making is widely endorsed, but what does it look like in practice, and how has the thinking evolved?
In this interview, Dr Jill Van Acker, speaks with Dr Rajni Lal, who has spent the past year working with the Centre for Shared Decision Making in Denmark and recently visited the centre. They will discuss what shared decision-making means, how the concept has developed, and what the Danish experience offers to practice here.
Speakers
Speaker 1: Dr Jill Van Acker
Dr Jill Van Acker, Director of Professional Affairs, Perioperative Medicine, is a specialist anaesthetist and a board member of the Chapter of Perioperative Medicine.
A decade ago, she established the ACT's first consultant-led high-risk preoperative clinic, which is now led by colleagues she encouraged to pursue perioperative medicine training. Her work centres on the preoperative period as a public health opportunity: working with patients to optimise their health and wellbeing before surgery to reduce risk, improve recovery, and support long-term wellness.
She has been closely involved in the growth of perioperative medicine across Australia and New Zealand, including the annual Perioperative Medicine SIG Meeting, policy, and standards, and continues to advance multispecialty collaboration through the chapter's committees and board. Reflecting her profound dedication and impactful service to the medical community, she was honoured with the ANZCA Medal in 2025.
Speaker 2: Dr Rajni Lal
Dr Rajni Lal is a staff specialist perioperative physician and geriatrician at Blacktown Hospital. With over 13 years of experience in the Australian health system across both medical and surgical departments, Dr Lal has worked in diverse settings throughout the country. She is actively involved in teaching medical students at the tertiary level and participates in various leadership roles and clinical governance activities. Dr Lal is dedicated to providing the best care for her patients, particularly the elderly, while continuously expanding her knowledge and skills.
Save the date and join us: Wednesday 12 August 2026, 7–8pm AEST | 9–10pm NZST.
All those registered will receive a link to the session recording.
If ANZCA is your CPD home, you may record one hour of CPD under Category 2: Knowledge and skills – learning sessions. Participants affiliated with other CPD homes are encouraged to check their individual CPD requirements.
