Decision Aid Tools: A Trusted Companion In Your Healthcare Journey
In your healthcare journey, there are many ways in which a decision aid tool can help you. It can provide information, help you explore options and understand possible outcomes, and clarify risks. In this article, we focus on how valuable a decision aid tool can be for patients.
How does a decision aid tool provide support?
A decision aid tool helps a patient to discover, consider and decide.
Let’s start by understanding what a decision aid tool is. It is something that helps you, as a patient, become more involved in your healthcare decisions. The tool can come in different forms, such as videos, pamphlets and questionnaires, whether in print or digital format.
When you use a decision aid tool, it supports you in three ways:
- Information: you gain relevant information about the decisions you need to make
- Clarity: you understand better what your values and preferences are in relation to your circumstances, health, finances and other factors
- Decision-making: you become better-equipped to make decisions based on the provided information, outlined options and considered outcomes
A decision aid tool does not make decisions for you but it helps you make decisions that fit your personal needs and circumstances. It helps you set realistic expectations about benefits and risks associated with each option and gain confidence in discussing your preferences with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Who should use the decision aid tool?
These tools are designed to be used in situations where there is shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients, or when carers want to be more closely involved. Ultimately, the primary user is the patient.
Why do these tools exist?
Facing a health scare or medical diagnosis can feel overwhelming and confusing, with many complex options and outcomes. A decision aid tool is designed to help you identify decisions clearly, understand available options and potential outcomes. More importantly, the decision aid tool helps you to clarify your priorities.
You’re not alone – you can discuss your options with healthcare professionals such as your doctor and patient navigator.
When should the decision aid tool be used?
Typically, a decision aid tool is used when there is more than one reasonable option or when the best option for health outcomes is not entirely clear.
What does a decision aid tool not do?
A decision aid tool:
- Does not tell you what to do
- Does not prioritise one option over another
- Does not intend to influence your decision
- Does not replace advice from a healthcare professional
In conclusion, a decision aid tool is useful for breast cancer patients navigating treatment and care options. While the tool does not make decisions for you, it supports you in making good decisions relating to your health journey.
If you are facing a cancer screening or treatment decision, explore Cancer Research Malaysia’s digital decision aid tool today, at no cost.
Cancer Research Malaysia is the only non-profit organisation in Malaysia dedicated to saving lives through impactful cancer research in Asians. We have developed a unique digital decision aid tool specifically for cancer patients, which is made available for free on this website.
