The B.R.A.I.N. acronym for medical decisions

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B.R.A.I.N. + AP acronym

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The BRAIN acronym is for making medical decisions.
 
Health professionals have recommendations. You have options. If you’ve been presented with a recommendation that you’re not sure on, here is an acronym you can use to help you make a decision. BRAIN + AP
 
Ask the following:
 
B – What are the benefits of this? What benefits are there to what is being offered? If it’s a medication or intervention, why is it being recommended? If you decide yes on an issue, what are the potential benefits to going that route?
 
R – What are the risks of this? All medications have side effects and risks. Most interventions and some testing do as well. It is important to weigh the risks against each other when weighing multiple options. Also consider the likelihood of those risks.
 
A – What are the alternatives to this? Do any of the alternatives align with your values or preferred approach to healthcare more?
 
I – What is my intuition telling me? Intuition is a powerful tool.
 
N – What happens if we do nothing? Is it safe to wait and see?
 
I also recommend you ask questions. Do you feel like you need more information on it? If this is a medication, what category does it rank in for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
 
Additionally, pray about it. We should make decisions prayerfully and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
 
 
BRAIN + AP
 
If your current situation is not an emergency, there should always be time for the patient to make a decision. Only the patient is the rightful decision-maker over what kind of care they receive. Even in an emergency, there should be communication from/with your healthcare team. If you feel you need it, you have the right to take time to think over the decision.
 
What are some situations you have used this in?