All Get Prepared

Making decisions with your healthcare team

Shared decision-making ensures that people living with cancer (or another illness) fully understand the options available to them and have the opportunity to actively take part in decisions surrounding their treatment and care.1,2 Shared decision-making is important to ensure any decisions that are made are right for you, based on how you are feeling and what you want.2

A shared decision-making conversation brings together:2

  • The doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional’s expert knowledge on treatment options, including their benefits and risks
  • Your preference, personal circumstance, wants and needs 

Many of the doctors, nurses and other members of your healthcare team will be aware of the importance of shared decision-making. They will include you in conversations, rather than making a decision on your behalf. But for some healthcare professionals, shared decision-making might be an afterthought. If this is the case, don’t be afraid to speak up. Be sure to ask about anything you’re not sure of and do voice your opinion. These are your decisions too!

References

  1. National Institutes for Health and Care Excellence. Shared decision making. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/our-programmes/nice-guidance/nice-guidelines/shared-decision-making [Accessed June 2025].
  2. NHS England. About Shared Decision-Making. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/shared-decision-making/about/ [Accessed June 2025].