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Decision Making Services

Personal Decision Support

Experts suggest patients should educate themselves, list questions, bring a friend to take notes, and audio-record their meetings with doctors. Decision Services is a Breast Care Center program designed to help patients with these tasks by providing educational videos/booklets, a personal coach, and support with medical consultations.

The program, which is free to patients, is directed by Jeff Belkora, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery and the Institute of Health Policy. Pre-medical interns work with patients to brainstorm questions and concerns to bring to their doctor visits. Interns followup by accompanying patients to their doctors' appointments, and making audio recordings for patients to review at home.

For more details, please visit the website at decisionservices.ucsf.edu. You may also call (415) 353-8400 or email Decision.Services@ucsfmedctr.edu to ask questions, request a video/booklet, or request consultation planning, recording, and summarizing services.

Photo credit: Susan Merrell, UCSF Public Affairs

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