Use this when you are being asked to agree to something and you are not fully clear yet.
Do not use this to delay urgent or emergency care. Use it when there is time to pause, clarify, or ask what is being proposed before agreeing.
The six things to know before you agree
Tick what is clear
You do not need perfect detail. You do need enough clarity to understand the decision.
Understanding and capacity pause
Use this if the person being asked to agree is confused, overwhelmed, very tired, frightened, in pain, medicated, hard of hearing, without glasses, or not acting like themselves.
Slow it down if any of these are true
These do not always mean the decision is wrong. They mean the conversation needs more clarity before agreement.
The one thing still unclear before I agree
Keep this short. Ask this before the decision moves forward.
Repeat-back before agreeing
Say this out loud. If you have misunderstood, this gives the professional a chance to correct it before you agree.
Use this sentence
- “What I understand is that you are recommending [this] because [reason]. The main benefit is [benefit]. The main risks or downsides are [risks]. The alternatives are [alternatives]. If I wait or do nothing for now, [consequence]. Is that correct?”
When the decision is bigger than this tool
Use this quick tool for a rapid pause. If the decision is significant, complex, involves capacity concerns, major medication changes, procedure risks, discharge responsibilities, or family disagreement, use the fuller Consent & Decision Clarity Pack.