When you have an appointment with a healthcare professional, you may need to make choices about your healthcare.
When you have an appointment, you may need to make choices about your health. If there are different treatment options, your healthcare professional will explain them clearly. They will talk you through the facts, the risks and benefits, and what the medical evidence says.
You know your own life and what matters to you. It is important to tell your healthcare professional how each option may affect you. You can share your preferences, values, beliefs and health goals. You can also tell them anything you already do to manage your condition.
It is OK to ask questions if you do not understand something or if you are worried. By talking together, you and your healthcare professional can choose the option that works best for you.
This conversation is known as shared decision making. It helps you make better choices about your care and treatment.
Preparing for your appointment
Before your appointment with a health and care professional, think about these questions:
What matters to me?
What is important to me?
What am I worried or concerned about?
You might also want to bring someone with you to the appointment for support.
Questions to ask at your appointment
Here are four key questions you can ask during your appointment:
What are the benefits of my treatment?
Your healthcare professional will explain why they think a treatment may help you. They will explain how this compares to other available treatments.
What are the risks of my treatment?
They will tell you about possible risks or side effects and answer any questions.
Are there any other treatments I can try?
They will explain any other options that may be available.
What if I do nothing?
They can explain what might happen if you decide to wait or not to go ahead with your planned treatment.
Our healthcare staff are happy to answer these and any other questions you may have.
Feeling informed can help you feel more prepared for your appointment. And remember, it is OK to ask.
You can also download our leaflet, which includes space on the back page for your own notes.
It’s OK to Ask leaflet
It’s OK to Ask Easy Read leaflet
It’s Ok to Ask Easy Read leaflet (folded version)
The Easy Read version was produced by Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Resources for practitioners
Universal Medication Discussion exploring what matters most to the service user