What is shared decision-making?

Mental health in pregnancy and after birth (SIGN)
Healthcare Improvement Scotland
SIGN toolkit logo

Shared decision-making means putting you and your needs and circumstances at the heart of decisions about your health and wellbeing.  It means moving away from the ‘doctor knows best’ approach to one where meaningful discussions about treatment options available, including their risks and benefits, occur between the professional and the patient.

This section provides information about shared decision-making. It provides tools and resources to help you to take an active role in working with healthcare professionals to make choices about your care and wellbeing that are right for you and your baby.

The video below from the Scottish Government and NHS Education for Scotland provides more information about what shared decision-making means in practice.

Asking the right questions

Knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference.

By being more involved, you’ll be able to make better decisions about your own care and treatment.

To help you get the most out of your next appointment, here are 4 key questions it’s worth remembering to ask.

What are the benefits of my treatment?

Your healthcare professional will be able to explain why they think a certain treatment would be the best option for you compared to other treatments available.

What are the risks of my treatment?

Your healthcare professional will be able to explain the risks or possible side effects of your treatment and reassure you about any concerns you may have.

Any alternative treatments I can try?

Your healthcare professional will be able to outline any other treatments that may be available to you.

What if I do nothing?

Your healthcare professional can explain what may happen if you choose not to go ahead with your planned treatment.

Download the NHS inform leaflet  It's ok to ask.

 

Health literacy techniques

Health literacy is about people having enough knowledge, understanding, confidence and skills to cope with the complex demands of modern health care.

Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to ensure that you:

  • understand what the professional has said
  • are able to respond and ask questions
  • can shape decisions about their care to ensure it is right for you and your baby.
  • can take action on what is agreed.