Clinical decision-making in emergency and remote care

Remote patient consultation is a fast-growing area of healthcare in the UK. Clinical decision-making in remote and emergency care involves the processing of information, evaluation of evidence and application of knowledge to select the most appropriate intervention for the patient and reduce the risk of harm. It is important, therefore, that nurses and other healthcare practitioners have an understanding of decision-making processes. In this article, the author explores clinical decision-making in the context of emergency and remote care and considers the importance of effective communication and shared decision-making to support safe and appropriate patient care.