We want you to play an active part in your care and treatment during appointments. You should be able to make choices around the care and treatment you receive based on what matters to you.
’Shared decision making’ is the term the NHS uses to describe when you and your health care professionals work together to make care and treatment decisions centred on what matters to you.
With your consent these discussions can involve family members or a friend.
We want you to have a hospital experience where you
Feel that it’s ok to ask questions about your care.
Work with your healthcare provider to reach a final care/treatment decision.
Are involved in the treatment options and decisions.
Know your voice, rights, culture, interests and desires are factored into your care and treatment plans.’’
Are informed well ahead of your appointment of potential risks, benefits and options.
How can you be a part of this?
Preparing for your appointment
- Write down any concerns or questions you may have before your appointment. You can use the Ask 3 questions template to write this. Take this with you so you don’t forget what you want to ask.
- Write down any important information about you to share with your doctor, nurse or therapist. This could be symptoms, medication you are currently taking or any other health related issues.
- Remember that you can bring a family member or friend to the appointment with you. They can support you and join in discussions with the health professionals.
- Take a pen and paper if you wish to make notes.
- You can have the option to choose a video appointment if that works better for you and its appropriate for your care.
During the appointment
- Ask the health care professional to explain anything you don’t understand.
- Ask any questions you have prepared or any new questions you may have.
- During your appointment feel free to ask questions; here are some suggestions that may help you:
- What are my choices?
- What is good and bad about each choice?
- What happens if I do nothing?
- How can you support with the choice we’ve made?
- What happens next?
- Who do I contact if I have questions after I leave?
- Where can I go to get more information?
Remember you can always ask the healthcare professional to clarify what they mean, explain things again, or to write down information for you
After your appointment
You might want to discuss your options with friends and family.
It’s ok to change your mind.
It’s also ok to go back to your healthcare professional to ask more questions or explain anything you didn’t understand.
Remember to keep a note of any questions or concerns read