Decision support tools (also called ‘patient decision aids’) encourage personalised care by supporting the process of shared decision making. In a shared decision-making conversation, patients are offered the options available to them along with the risks, benefits and consequences of these options. These are then discussed alongside what matters to the patient. Decision support tools collate all the evidence-based information and present it in an easily understood format. They also help patients to think about, and discuss, what matters to them.

NHS England has partnered with patients, risk communication experts and clinical leaders to co-produce a series of DSTs. These tools have been developed in accordance with The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence standards framework for shared decision making support tools, including patient decision aids.

These tools are designed to be used within or alongside clinical consultations and for patients to keep for reference and reflection. You may choose to use them before, in, or between consultations.

To find out more information, background and guidance on the use of DSTs please visit the NHS England webpage here.

The following webinar provides more information on the production and use of these tools, and a free 30 minute eLearning module on Shared Decision Making is available here.