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This part of the app provides:

  • Questions you can ask your healthcare professional. This will help to get your needs and views heard. It will also help you to ensure you understand the different options available to you.

Asking questions is a key part of shared decision-making

Shared decision-making means that you will work with a healthcare professional to:

  • Discuss and share information to help reach a decision about your care.
  • Ensure that you understand the benefits and possible risks of different options for your care. This includes looking at the option of no treatment at all.
  • Choose tests and treatments based on scientific evidence and on what matters to you.

You choose how much you want to engage in decision-making. Some people prefer not to take an active role in making decisions with their healthcare professionals.

This video explains more about shared decision-making

You can use the library of shared decision aids to help you to discuss with your healthcare professional the benefits and risks of different options for your care.

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

Simply 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.    These are sometimes called the "BRAN" questions because they cover Benefits, Risks, Alternatives and do Nothing.

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 alternative 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.