Patient preferences are important for clinical, ethical, legal and psychological reasons. When patients make choices about their healthcare based on their own values and experience, and these preferences are respected by physicians, it improves health outcomes. Patients who feel they are collaborating in shared decision making have greater trust in their doctors and cooperate better. Documenting a patient's informed consent also protects physicians from claims of coercion. Overall, respecting patient autonomy and using a participatory communication style leads to better clinical care.