It's ok to ask!

‘IT'S OK to Ask’ – that's the message once again from the NHS. They have relaunched the campaign to empower people in Scotland to get the most out of every healthcare appointment The aim is to help patients feel confident asking questions about their health, care, and treatment options. Whether attending a GP, physiotherapist, dentist, pharmacist, hospital appointment, or any other healthcare setting, ‘It’s OK to Ask’ reminds people that asking questions helps them understand their options and make choices that feel right for them. To help get the most out of every discussion, patients are encouraged to consider asking these four questions whenever a treatment, procedure, tablet, or test is suggested, no matter how routine it may seem: What are the benefits of this treatment? What are the risks? Are there any alternative treatments I can try? What happens if I do nothing? Dr John McAnaw, from NHS 24, above said: “Asking questions in a healthcare setting can feel overwhelming, and many people are unsure what to say or how to ask. “The ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign reassures people that healthcare teams welcome questions as it provides a good basis for shared decision making. It’s important that you fully understand your treatment options and feel comfortable with any decisions about your care. “No matter how simple or serious your condition may seem, if you’re unclear about anything, remember - ‘It’s OK to Ask’. These questions can help you make informed choices about what will work best for you.”