Patient information

Realistic medicine

Realistic medicine puts patients at the centre of decisions about your care. It encourages health and care workers to find out what matters most to you so that the care of your condition fits your needs and situation. 

Realistic medicine is about all professionals who use their skills and knowledge to help people maintain health and to prevent and treat illness. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists and social work.

Five questions
You are encouraged to ask questions about your condition and the possible care offered.

You might like to ask:

• Is this test, treatment or procedure really needed?
• What are the benefits and what are the downsides?
• What are the possible side-effects?
• Are there simpler or safer options?
• What would happen if I did nothing?

If you would like to know more about realistic medicine, read the Chief Medical Officer’s annual report.