How often do you leave a medical visit feeling like a healthcare provider heard your concerns and answered them? Successful communication requires effort from the patient and their healthcare professional.
TIPS TO CONSIDER
-
Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss at your appointment. Mark the ones that are most important to address. Put the list in a place where it will be easy to remember to bring it with you.
-
Ask your most important questions at the beginning of the visit.
-
If you cannot ask your questions at the beginning of your visit, tell the healthcare professional you have a list of questions and ask when is a good time to share it.
-
Give the healthcare professional a copy of your list so they can follow along.
WHEN YOU ASK YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL QUESTIONS
-
Don't downplay the symptoms or situation. Remarks like "it's just a little cough" or "my pain really isn't a problem" might lead a healthcare professional to the same conclusion. For example, if your real fear is that your sister's lung cancer started with a similar cough, let the doctor know. If your pain is preventing you from getting any sleep, say so. Being upfront helps them understand your problem.
-
Listen. Take some deep breaths and focus on what the doctor is saying. Consider bringing a tape recorder or taking notes on paper. If your Care Partner is with you at the appointment, ask them to take notes.
-
Ask for explanations. Tell the healthcare professional if you don't understand medical terms or if the instructions are not clear. Consider bringing your Care Partner to appointments to help you understand and remember what you heard.
-
Make sure you understand the next steps. It is important to understand the plan that a healthcare professional recommends.