Use your BRAIN when making decisions

by Aarica McClary

02/13/2024

When determining whether a test, procedure is right for you, the acronym B.R.A.I.N. can be handy to remember.

When making a decision consider the following. •Benefits- In what ways will this test or procedure benefit you? How likely are you to experience that benefit?
• Risks- What are the risks to this test or procedure? How likely am I to experience an adverse reaction?
• Alternatives- Are there any alternatives to this test or procedure? What are they? How effective are they? What are the risks and benefits?
• Intuition- What does your gut tell you about this test of procedure? Does this decision make you uneasy or do you feel this is the best choice?
• Nothing- What happens if we don’t do anything? What happens if I wait to decide?