Shared-Decision Making

Helping you and your healthcare team decide together

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What is Shared-Decision Making?

It may be hard to decide whether to have a treatment or procedure. Sometimes there is more than one option.

Shared-Decision Making helps you and your doctors decide on a plan that is right for you. Using an ALL BRAN conversation, we will talk about your treatment, it’s benefits, risks, and alternate options.

An informational graphic titled "An All Bran Conversation" with tips about discussing dietary choices. It suggests asking your doctor about preferences, wishes, and important factors. It lists questions to ask, including benefits, risks, alternatives, and natural progression without surgery or procedures. There is an illustration of a spoon pouring cereal or supplement into a bowl.

We will ask, listen and learn about what matters to you. This could be your health goals, independence, family roles, cultural, spiritual or religious beliefs. Or it may simply be what makes life meaningful for you.

Diagram of a plant with labels on the leaves indicating key steps: ASK, LISTEN, LEARN, BENEFITS, RISKS, ALTERNATIVES, NATURAL PROGRESS.

When does this happen?

Shared-Decision Making happens before a treatment or procedure, such as surgery, a scope, a cardiac intervention or chemotherapy.

Who is involved?

This discussion is led by your doctors, such as surgeons, anaesthetists, or other specialists. It may also involve nurses and allied health staff.

Family and Carers

It may be helpful to talk with your family or carers about these choices. You may bring them to the appointment so they can be part of the conversation.