Making Decisions Together: Shared Decision-Making
We believe that the best healthcare happens when we work as a team. We recognise that while our clinicians bring medical expertise, you are the expert on your own life, your priorities, and how your health affects your daily routine.
What is Shared Decision-Making?
When you see a doctor or nurse, there is often more than one way to manage a condition. Shared decision-making is the process where you and your healthcare professional discuss your options and reach a joint decision about your care.
It moves away from the idea that the doctor always “knows best” and instead focuses on what matters most to you. By combining clinical evidence with your personal values, we can ensure the treatment you receive is the right fit for your life.
How to Get Involved
To help you take an active role in your health, we encourage you to ask three key questions during your appointment:
- What are my options? (This includes the option of doing nothing or monitoring the situation).
- What are the possible risks and benefits of each option?
- How can we make a decision together that is right for me?
Your doctor or nurse will support you by providing clear information, helping you weigh up the pros and cons, and guiding you through the choices available.
Patient Decision Aids
Patient Decision Aids (PDAs) are specially designed tools to help you compare different treatment options. They provide balanced information about the risks and benefits of various healthcare choices, allowing you to think about what is most important to you before or during your consultation.
Reliable Resources
If you would like to explore your options or learn more about specific health conditions, the following resources provide high-quality, evidence-based information:
- NHS Inform provides a wealth of information on common conditions, treatments, and healthy living specifically for patients in Scotland.
- The Right Decision Service is the national resource for decision support in Scotland, offering tools to help patients and clinicians make safe, evidence-based decisions.
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute maintains an international inventory of decision aids that can help you prepare for a discussion about your care.