The family can have good knowledge about a certain medication, including the benefits, risks, uncertainties.

Or they can have poor knowledge.

Poor knowledge means they do not understand the information they have been given, or they might not have enough information, which makes it hard to make useful comparisons about the benefits and risks.

The family cannot make an informed choice if they don’t have information that they understand and helps them make comparisons between their two options.

• The family might have a preference for trialling medication. They feel the benefits outweigh the risks and their values might be to trust the experts.  As a result, medication is their preference.
• Or they might prefer not to trial the medication. Their values might be to avoid medication if they can. They believe that the risks of the medication outweigh the benefits. They, therefore, prefer to continue to manage Alexei’s behaviour without medication.

Finally, the family need to put their preference into action.

• If the family have good knowledge and their preference is for a medication trial and Alexei starts medication, they have fulfilled their informed choice.
• If the family have good knowledge and prefer no medication and Alexei’s behaviour is continued to be managed without medication. They have made an informed choice.
• You make an informed choice when you have the knowledge and understanding about your options and the decision you make is in line with your values and preferences.