Ask 3 Questions
Getting the most out of your clinic appointment
You have been invited to attend a clinic appointment and to make sure you get the most benefit out of you consultation we recommend the following:
Before your appointment
Prepare questions: There may be choices to be made about your healthcare and the following three questions will help you and your medical team consider the best option for you.
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What are my choices?
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What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
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How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?
We would like you to receive the care that’s right for you and shared decision making is important here. This is the process where you and the health and care professionals discuss your options and agree the best course of treatment for you.
Set goals: Think about what you want to achieve with your care, such as improving symptoms, reducing medications, or increasing activity levels.
Seek support: If you have additional needs, please arrange for an interpreter or ask a family member or friend to come with you.
Additional resources
To help prepare for your consultation, please use the ‘Ask 3 Questions’ form below or in your clinic appointment letter. If you cannot access this in advance, you can request a copy when you arrive for your appointment, either at check-in or during your consultation.
Download ‘Ask 3 Questions’ Form.
During your consultation
Request clarification: Ask for more information or explanations if there is something you don’t understand.
Communicate priorities: Inform your healthcare professional about your priorities and what you wish to discuss.
Accessibility needs: Let them know if you need information in a different format, such as large print, or additional help to understand medical terms.
Take notes: Write down key points from your discussion to help remember important details.
People with additional needs: Someone you trust, family and carers can participate in your care decisions with you.
After your consultation
Clinic letter: You will receive a letter from the hospital, summarising the consultation. This will highlight the diagnosis, the discussion as well as the treatment plan.
Access to results: You can access your records and some results electronically on the NHS App.
Supporting children and young people
The Anna Freud charity has helpful tips and guidance on involving children and young people in shared decision making about their care.