Patient decision aids
Patient decision aids help you think through choices about your treatment. They give you clear information about the options, the likely benefits and risks, and questions to ask a clinician. This section explains what decision aids are and where to find the ones currently available on the NHS.
Get advice about your symptoms
If you are unwell and unsure what to do, use one of the routes below. They are free and available across the UK, and can direct you to the right service.
- Check your symptoms online at 111.nhs.uk
- Call 111 for free 24-hour advice from NHS 111
- Speak to a pharmacist for advice on minor problems — no appointment needed
- Contact your GP for non-urgent medical problems
Call 999 immediately in a life-threatening emergency — for example loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding or a suspected stroke.
What this section covers
- What a decision aid is
- How to use one with your GP or specialist
- Where to find current NHS-endorsed decision aids
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