Shared Decision Making
Proposal for a new information standard to define the patient record requirements for shared decision making which will also define sharing mechanisms.
Contents
About this standard
- Publisher
- NHS England
- Status
- Draft in progress
Show definitions of statuses
Future Standards. If the selected standard is a Future standard, show only statuses for Future standards.
Proposed. New standards suggested to address unmet need(s), but further exploratory work is required.
Draft in Progress. Standards that are in the process of being developed or going through consultation.
On Hold. Standards that have been paused but may resume in future.
Withdrawn. Standards that have been withdrawn from any development and approval process.
- Standard type
- Information standards
Show definitions of standard types
Collections. A Collection is a systematic gathering of a specified selection of data or information for a particular stated purpose from existing records held within health and care systems and electronic devices.
Extractions. An extraction is a type of collection that is pulled from an operational system by the data controller and transmitted to the receiver without additional processing or transcription by the sender.
Information standards. Information standards are agreed ways of doing something, written down as a set of precise criteria so they can be used as rules, guidelines, or definitions.
Technical Standards and specifications. Technical standards and specifications specify how to make information available technically including how the data is structured and transported.
- Contact point
england.standards.assurance@nhs.net
Link to standard
- Associated medias
Topics and care settings
- Topic
- Key care information
- Care setting
- Community health
- Dentistry
- Hospital
- Social care
- Urgent and Emergency Care
Review Information
- Scope
- NHS Services
- Contributor
- Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB)
Legal basis
- Licence information
Crown Copyright https://digital.nhs.uk/about-nhs-digital/terms-and-conditions
- Licence
NHS England permits the copying and re-use of Information Standards, in whole or in part, for commercial and non-commercial purposes but, to protect the integrity of the Information Standards, you are not permitted to adapt, amend or decompile the Information Standards for any purpose without our prior consent.
More information
Shared decision making is a collaborative process where clinicians and individuals consider treatment options based on evidence about their potential benefits and harms, to enable the person to decide the best course for themselves. The conversation and decision made should be informed by what matters to the person, their goals, values, hopes, ideas, concerns and expectations.
When people are listened to, given the information they need and the time and support to make informed decisions about their care and treatment, they have the potential for better outcomes and experiences of care.
About this standardThe information standard on shared decision making provides a framework for clinicians to record the decision-making process between themselves and their patients. The standard also allows the shared decision information to be shared between professionals and their different record systems. The standard has been developed based on the GMC guidance on shared decision-making and consent and the NICE guidelines.
Scope- The standard was developed with UK wide consultation and engagement to meet the needs of all four UK nations.
- The standard is intended for all areas of healthcare except for the noted exclusions
- The standard covers all ages including children
- Elective surgery
- Multiple long-term conditions
- Mental Health
- Genetic conditions
- Polypharmacy
- Orthopaedics
- Gynaecology
- Children and dentistry
- Maternity – The standard may work for maternity, but it is believed that this complex area justifies specific additional work and potentially an extended standard.
- Social Care – The Shared Decision Making Standard is defined for clinical uses and the consultation was targeted at healthcare professionals not social care professionals. However the standard’s principles may work in social care and in the future the standard could potentially be adapted for use in social care.
Page last updated: 18 December 2025