27 June 2024
Value Based Health & Care | The importance of shared decision making
What is Value Based Health & Care?
Value Based Health & Care is about you making decisions about your health together with your healthcare professional. We know that offering tests and treatment is not always the best thing to do, and when people are given more information on potential risks they may change their mind about what action to take. Shared decision making between you and your healthcare professional is therefore central to delivering Value Based Health & Care.
What is shared decision making?
Shared decision making involves supporting you to make decisions that are right for you regarding your care and treatment. Informed choice can be made based on your personal values and preferences as well as the advice from your healthcare professional about the risks, benefits and consequences of the options available to you.
We want you to have a choice over the way your care is planned and delivered, based on what matters to you and your individual circumstances.
What are the benefits?
Through shared decision making we can deliver person centred care. This empowers you to make decisions about treatment and care that is right for you by better understanding the benefits, harms and possible outcomes of different options. Healthcare professionals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise regarding evidence base, treatment options and any potential benefits and risks. Each patient has their own set of personal circumstances, preferences and values which can be a deciding factor in any proposed course of treatment or care. It is by considering both elements, together, that shared decision making thrives.
What does this mean for me?
We want to ensure that patients are equal partners in decisions made regarding their care. This means that you are involved and empowered to ask questions and make decisions based on what matters to you as an individual.
Consider asking your healthcare professional the following questions at your appointments:
What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
Are there any alternatives?
What if I do nothing?
Click here for more information about Value Based Health & Care.