A SERIES of five simple questions are being rolled out to encourage people to take more control of their own health care.
Patients are being encouraged to ask about things like need, benefits, risk and alternative, conservative treatment options as part of the Realistic Medicine movement which encourages them to take a more involved, questioning role.
Introducing the Choosing Wisely questions into Dumfries and Galloway, Associate Medical Director Dr Ewan Bell said: “What we’re seeing here is an initiative aimed at improving conversations between patients and the health professionals providing their treatment and care.
“Having discussions that fully take into account what is important to the patient will mean both sides are better supported to make decisions about their care.”
The five Choosing Wisely questions are designed for their directness and simplicity – and are intended to address whether a test, procedure or prescription is necessary.
The questions are not only designed to help patients become more active and engaged, but also to help them make informed choices about their healthcare which takes into account their personal values and preferences.
The Choosing Wisely questions which will be appearing everywhere from GP practices to hospital outpatient clinics are:
- Need? Do I really need this test, treatment or medicine?
- Benefit? What are the benefits to me?
- Risks? Are there any risks or side effects?
- Choice? How can I improve my condition or health?
- If I don’t? What will happen if I don’t do anything?
In addition to those questions, Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership are in the process of developing a number of different resources around the person-centred approach of Realistic Medicine.
And health and social care professionals across the region are continuing to take a pledge to adopt and promote the new approach, before nominating colleagues to follow their example.
Dr Asha Chauhan is Clinical Efficiency Manager, Realistic Medicine, and she said: “It’s tremendous to see so many people within Dumfries and Galloway taking a pledge to support this approach to healthcare.
“At its heart, Realistic Medicine recognises that times have changed, and that the best outcome for patients is not simply what treatment a doctor dictates that they will receive.
“The days of ‘doctor knows best’ are gone.
“Instead, it’s important that people know they should be discussing their situations in a safe, supportive environment, and asking questions about what their options are, any risks and the potential outcomes.
“Having had the opportunity to discuss one potential option such as surgery, it may be that the patient decides they don’t wish to pursue that treatment, and instead opts for a more conservative, managed, palliative approach.
“Ultimately, it’s about encouraging the patient to ask questions and take more control over their own treatment – within a safe, supportive environment where the best outcome for them remains the top priority.”
Realistic Medicine is an approach which is gradually spreading around the world, having been developed and driven forward in countries such as Canada.
Work within the region currently includes a survey which is running at some outpatient clinics at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
Dr Chauhan said: “This work is about putting shared decision making at the core of all patient interactions, developing a joined-up approach across primary and secondary care.
“Ultimately, we hope it will benefit patients and would request that anyone who is approached to spare time and take part in the survey and help us to develop a system which gives them greater control of their healthcare journey.”
To view the initial videos made by the Dumfries and Galloway’s health and social care professionals, visit https://tinylink.net/zoCoQ
To find out more about Realistic Medicine in Scotland, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/nhs-services/using-the-nhs/realistic-medicine
