Shared Decision Making

Shared decision making is a joint process in which a healthcare professional works together with a patient to reach a decision about their care. It involves discussing treatment options, including doing nothing, based both on evidence and on the person's individual preferences, beliefs and values.

Why does it Matter?

The discussions and information sharing make sure the person understands the risks, benefits and possible consequences of the different options.
Further information can be found at on the NICE website and the NHS England website
Patients will be encouraged to ask 4 main questions
  1. What are the risks of my treatment? 
  2. What are the benefits of my treatment?   
  3. What if I do nothing?  
  4. Are there other treatments I can try? 

Want to know more?

Guidelines, protocols or evidence summaries often provide the quickest and easiest way to find answers. In clinical environments these are often called 'point of care' resources.
Below are the current resources available to health and care staff across the Trust, as well as links to additional sources of evidence, such as guidelines.
Some of these subscription resources are available password free on Trust devices, otherwise they will require your OpenAthens account for access.

​Check out our subscription to BMJ Best Practice and Dynamed for the most up to date information​

Other Useful Links