BRAN – public communications toolkit

It’s ok to ask - make the most of your appointment

It’s important to know what’s going on with your own healthcare. Knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference and help you make better decisions around your care and treatment.

Having a medical appointment can be daunting for patients, especially when decisions need to be made. To help you get the most out of your next appointment, remember to ask the 4 key BRAN questions that will help you make the right choice about treatment options for you.

· Benefits - What are the Benefits?

Your healthcare professional will be able to explain why they think a certain treatment would be the best option for you compared to other available treatments.

· Risks - What are the Risks?

Your healthcare professional will be able to explain the risks or possible side effects of your treatment and reassure you about any concerns you may have.

· Alternatives - What are the Alternatives?

Your healthcare professional will be able to outline any alternative treatments that may be available to you.

· Nothing - What if I do nothing and decide against treatment?

Your healthcare professional can explain what may happen if you choose not to go ahead with your planned treatment. You can talk with your healthcare professional about how to seek support later if you decide to do nothing now. You can also download a helpful make the most of your appointment leaflet.

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It’s ok to ask!  Make the most out of your appointment by asking your healthcare professional questions to help you make the right choice about test and treatment options for you. White background with headline text of Make the most of your appointment and then four coloured text boxes that include following text: What are the benefits of my treatment? Your healthcare professional can explain why they think a certain treatment would be the best option for you. What are the risks of my treatment? Your healthcare professional can explain the risks or possible side effects of your treatment or concerns you may have. What are the alternative treatments? Your healthcare professional can outline any alternative treatments that may be available to you. What if I decide against my treatment? Your healthcare professional can explain what may happen if you choose not to go ahead with your planned treatment.

White background with headline text of Make the most of your appointment and then four coloured text boxes that include following text:

What are the benefits of my treatment? Your healthcare professional can explain why they think a certain treatment would be the best option for you.

What are the risks of my treatment? Your healthcare professional can explain the risks or possible side effects of your treatment or concerns you may have.

What are the alternative treatments? Your healthcare professional can outline any alternative treatments that may be available to you.

What if I decide against my treatment?  Your healthcare professional can explain what may happen if you choose not to go ahead with your planned treatment.
It’s ok to ask!  It’s important to know what’s going on with your own healthcare. Knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference. White background with headline text of Make the most of your appointment and then four coloured text boxes that include following text: What are the benefits of my treatment? What are the risks of my treatment? What are the alternative treatments? What if I decide against my treatment?

White background with headline text of Make the most of your appointment and then four coloured text boxes that include following text:

What are the benefits of my treatment?

What are the risks of my treatment?

What are the alternative treatments?

What if I decide against my treatment?