Reviewing and evaluating the impact of decision making processes

Decision making is crucial in all aspects of a social care manager’s role, as is reviewing and monitoring the impact of those decisions for continuous improvement in services. The method or process used to make a decision will change depending on the scenario, and understanding these will help you make decisions more confidently. It is also key to remember the importance of seeking different sources of information to inform decisions, including contributions from people you support, staff and peers.

A key component of a manager’s role in adult social care is to make decisions and provide direction. The service and team members you lead will look to you to make decisions on how to provide the best possible care and support to the people accessing your service.

Shared decision making is a joint process in which a healthcare professional works together with a person to reach a decision about care.

It involves choosing tests and treatments based both on evidence and on the person’s individual preferences, beliefs and values.

It makes sure the person understands the risks, benefits and possible consequences of different options through discussion and information sharing.

Shared decision-making ensures that individuals are supported to make decisions that are right for them. It is a collaborative process through which a clinician supports a patient to reach a decision about their treatment.