For many patients facing the prospect of undertaking treatment for a diagnosed medical condition there are choices and options to consider before making their final decision. Access to reliable medical information applies whether it related to starting statins or undertaking a particular course of cancer treatment.
A library of patient decision aids (PDAs) has been developed by the National Institute of Health and Care (NICE) to help people decide on healthcare options. They give evidence-based information on the options available, along with likely outcomes, benefits, harms and uncertainties.
Patient decision aids should be used to inform conversations between a patient and their healthcare professional, supporting them to make informed choices in line with their personal values and preferences.