Shared Decision Making – Case Studies

Ask 3 Questions is the patient focused part of the national Shared Decision Making programme. Research shows that encouraging patients to askthree simple questions leads clinicians to provide higher quality information about options and their benefits and harms.

Ask 3 Questions has been adapted with kind permission from the MAGIC programme, supported by the Health Foundation. Ask 3 Questions is based on Shepherd HL, et al. Three questions that patients can ask to improve the quality of information physicians give about treatment options: A cross-over trial. Patient Education and Counselling, 2011;84: 379-85.

For its Ask 3 Questions campaign, AQuA has developed films, posters and other materials that can be displayed in patient areas, consultation rooms and other public places. The campaign also includes information leaflets, which can be included in appointment letters to encourage patients to ask three key questions when asked to make a choice about treatment.

The Ask 3 questions are:

1. What are my options?
2. What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?

Sharing the SDM Process – case study
Supporting Shared Decision – case study
Wide Awake – case study