NHS Scotland launches "It's OK to Ask" campaign

We are being told it is okay to ask questions about our healthcare and become more involved in the choices around it.

NHS Scotland is promoting a campaign around the topic, in a bid to encourage open communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

It's hoped it will help us understand what is going on with our care and make sure we are happy with any treatment plan.

The campaign centres around four key questions that patients should consider asking during a consultation or conversation about their health and care:

• What are the benefits of my treatment?
• What are the risks of my treatment?
• Any alternative treatments I can try?
• What if I do nothing?

Dr John McAnaw, Associate Clinical Director and Head of Pharmacy at NHS 24, says: “Asking questions about your treatment options while in a healthcare setting can be overwhelming, intimidating, or even scary for some people to do.

“The 'It's OK to Ask' campaign emphasises the importance of asking questions to make sure you fully understand what is going on with your care, and to make sure you are happy with your treatment plan.

"Our colleagues throughout the NHS are open to being asked questions such as these, and they encourage you to ask them when having a chat about your treatment options.

“If you are at all unsure about any aspect of your treatment, remember ‘It’s OK to Ask’ to help you make an informed choice about what will work best for you.”

To learn more about the 'It's OK to Ask' campaign and access resources for patients and healthcare professionals, visit NHS Inform.