Care and treatment of eating disorders - national specification: consultation

Outcome 9: Shared and Supported Decision Making

Outcome Statement

All individuals receive inclusive information to facilitate informed choice and shared and supported decision making.

Rationale

The provision of high-quality, inclusive information is essential to empower and support people to make decisions, which are right for them about what matters to them. Decision making is an ongoing process and requires people to be fully informed and taken seriously, at all stages of their treatment journey and pathway. People accessing eating disorder services should be given appropriate time and resources to discuss their treatment in full, with their choices and concerns listened to and addressed. Organisations should provide high-quality, inclusive information on eating disorder services which is in a format and language responsive to their needs.

People should receive sufficient information about treatment options and reasonable alternatives. People should also have access to accurate information and choices on treatment and management, including digital or home treatment options.

The collection, use, and sharing of personal data should be fully explained to people accessing eating disorder services and be shared in line with national policies and procedures.

Outcome in Action

9.1 People using eating disorder services are provided with inclusive information on all aspects of their care, including any onward referrals or interventions which is responsive to their individual needs.

9.2 People awaiting treatment and care are updated on anticipated timelines and delays.

9.3 People are listened to and are fully involved in all decisions about their health and care.

9.4 People receive information that is timely, relevant, and in a language and format that is right for them.

9.5 People can discuss risk, results, treatment, and management options with appropriately trained staff, and are supported to participate as equals in shared decision making.

9.6 Where appropriate and following consent as required, information should be sought from the person’s representative when assessing risk.

What does this mean for the person receiving care?

You will:

• be listened to and fully involved in all decisions about your care
• receive information to support shared and informed decision making in a language and format that is right for you
• be given information on a diagnosis if given, and any test results
• have your data treated with confidentiality and shared where appropriate to improve quality of care
• be offered support and time to discuss treatment options available to you, and
• be given an opportunity to discuss any aspect of your care, raise questions or concerns, and discuss how any results or ongoing treatment/referral will be communicated to you.

What does this mean for staff?

Staff:

• offer a responsive, person-centred service
• are impartial, without judgement, and can demonstrate compassionate communication that is appropriate to the individual
• have access to evidence-based information in a range of formats and languages appropriate to the needs of the individual accessing support
• can support individuals to reach informed decisions, and
• have a clear understanding of any outcomes or results which can be communicated to individuals.

What does this mean for the organisation?

Services and organisations have systems and processes in place to ensure:

• the availability of appropriate, easily accessible, and timely information access to consistent support resources including guided self-help materials, and
• access to accurate and reliable resources.

Practical examples of evidence of achievement (Note: this list is not exhaustive)

• Evidence of information provided in alternative formats and languages, taking account of the needs of people who may be digitally excluded.
• Clinical audit of consultations with documentation of signposting or written information being provided.
• Evidence of patient involvement in decision making, tools for shared decision making, and effective communication.
• Tailored resources for children and young people, representatives, and those with co-occurring considerations.