Qualification: Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF)
Unit: Unit 18: Decision Making in Adult Care
Learning outcome: 1 Understand effective decision-making
Assessment criteria: 1.2 Analyse key stages in decision-making processes whether formal and informal
- Identifying the problem or decision to be made: The first stage of any decision-making process is to clearly define the problem or decision that needs to be made. This could be a formal decision such as determining an individual’s care plan, or an informal decision such as deciding the best way to communicate with an individual.
- Gathering information: This involves collecting all relevant information to make an informed decision. In a care setting, this might include medical records, professional guidelines, observations, input from the individual, and their family or advocates, and input from other professionals.
- Evaluating the information: Once all information has been collected, it needs to be evaluated for its accuracy, relevance, and importance. In formal decisions, this might involve systematically reviewing evidence or consulting guidelines. In informal decisions, it might be more about intuitively weighing up the different factors involved.
- Generating options: Based on the evaluated information, a range of possible options or solutions should be generated. This could be done individually or in a group setting, and might involve brainstorming or creative thinking.
- Weighing up the options: Each option should be considered in terms of its potential benefits, risks, and implications. This may involve using formal decision-making tools or models, or it could be a more informal process of considering pros and cons.
- Making the decision: Based on the assessment of options, a decision is made. This may be done by the care supervisor alone, or it might be a collaborative decision involving the individual, their family, and other professionals.
- Implementing the decision: The chosen option is then put into action. In a care setting, this might involve adjusting an individual’s care plan, introducing a new intervention, or changing the way something is done.
- Reviewing the decision: After the decision has been implemented, it’s important to review its effectiveness and impact. This could be a formal review process such as an audit or evaluation, or it could be a more informal reflection or feedback session. If the decision hasn’t had the desired outcome, the decision-making process may need to be repeated.
- Remember, not every decision will require all of these stages, particularly for more informal decisions. However, they provide a useful structure to ensure decisions are made in a considered and informed way.