It's OK to Ask/BRAN questions

Message from Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gregor Smith on ‘BRAN’  questions 

"In a health and care conversation, there are two experts, the professional who has technical knowledge and skill, and the person receiving care who is expert in their life and what matters to them. That’s why sharing decisions between professionals and patients is one of the key principles of Realistic Medicine." 

"Shared decision making leads to better, more meaningful conversations and better treatment decisions. This not only improves outcomes for individual patients, but we know it also helps us tackle overtreatment. We must further embed shared decision making across Scotland, and view it as a genuinely collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals and patients working together." 

"In order for people to reach the right decision for them, they need to be able to weigh up the potential benefits, harms and limitations of the available options. We have therefore included the Choosing Wisely (BRAN) questions, in the Near Me virtual waiting room   This is displayed in a box on the screen with the following text: 

Make an informed choice about your test and treatment options 
Ask your healthcare professionals the BRAN questions: 

  • What are the Benefits? 
  • What are the Risks? 
  • What are the Alternatives? 
  • What if I do Nothing? 

"Encouraging people to think ‘BRAN’ before their appointment will help them prepare, and be able to actively engage in the conversation." 

"As health and care professionals, we need to be able to communicate risk in a way that people can understand. I consider encouraging people to ask these questions during consultations to be a big step forward and expect them to be of real benefit to patients, helping them make an informed choice about the treatment that’s right for them." 

Dr Gregor Smith, CMO for Scotland 

In NHS Grampian our communication and engagement plan has a focus on raising the knowledge and  awareness of all staff, patients and carers of the BRAN questions (It's Okay to Ask)  

This is being done through established communication channels (Intranet, Social Media – Twitter, Facebook, Press Releases), as well as visual displays in areas where patients, carers and professionals meet face to face.  

Published: 05/11/2021 16:19