It’s safe to ask questions at a doctor’s visit

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/02/2015 (4101 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Have you ever walked out of a medical appointment unsure of what you just heard?

If so, you are not alone.

Many Manitobans go to their medical appointments intending to engage their doctor in a discussion about their health and well-being.

Yet these meetings are not always as helpful as they could be. Health-care providers may be rushed for time or use unfamiliar language when explaining a medical issue. Patients may forget to ask important questions or leave the meeting uncertain about what they just heard.

These breakdowns in communication can lead to problems.

The simple fact is good two-way communication between you and your health-care provider is critical to your health and safety. It is the leading factor cited in reviews of patient safety incidents in Manitoba and elsewhere.

So, what can do you do to ensure open and honest dialogue between you and your health-care provider?

The first thing on the list is to be prepared for your appointment. This means knowing ahead of time what you want to ask and what your primary care provider needs to know about you and your concerns. The best patient and provider relations occur when you share your health needs, concerns and wishes openly, ask questions, answer honestly and make decisions together.

Here are some tips to make the best use of time at medical appointments.

Before your appointment:

• Keep a journal of your current medical history and your symptoms and concerns.
• Complete a medication card with a list of all medications, vitamins, herbs, supplements and over the counter medications. Include medication doses, how often you take them and why.
• Make a list of the questions you want to ask your primary care provider. Practice these at home. Three important questions are: what is my health problem; what do I need to do; why do I need to do this?
• Bring a book or something to do while you wait.
• Call ahead and ask how long the wait will be. If possible, adjust your arrival time.
• At your appointment:
• Know your medications; show your medication card.
• Ask questions and take notes.
• State concerns or symptoms as clearly as possible.
• Be clear on dates when symptoms started, and if they are worse or better.
• Ask what you are to do, why and what the treatment is.

 

If you are prescribed medication, ask:

• Why should I take it, when, how and how much?
• Is this medication in addition to or does it replace a medication I am already taking?
• What are the side effects of the medication?

 

If your doctor wants tests done, ask:

• What tests do I need and why?
• What do the tests involve?
• How should I prepare for the test?
• How will the results be shared with me and when?

 

If you are nervous about asking questions:

• Write down your questions so you can read them at the appointment.
• Bring a friend or patient advocate with you. They can ask questions for you.
• If you forget a key question, call the medical office after your appointment. Ask if they are able to answer. If not, respectfully ask the staff to pass your questions to the doctor or nurse practitioner. Ask when you can call back and speak to your health-care provider.
• Make a follow-up appointment to have tests results explained.
• Having trouble understanding the medical words your doctor uses? Say “This is new to me. Please explain again.”
• Ask if there is a pamphlet with pictures which explain the facts.
• Ask for resource suggestions or further information.
• Look for reliable information on the Internet or get books at the library.

 

Choose your patient advocate before your appointment. A patient advocate is a family member or friend whom you trust will help speak for you. Be clear on what you want your patient advocate to do. Get a form at the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety website at www.mips.ca. Your advocate can bring it when they attend the appointment with you.

 

For more tips on advocating for safe care for yourself and others, see www.safetoask.ca.

Going to a medical appointment should be a positive learning experience, in which you feel “Safe to Ask.” These tips will help you to be a key partner in your health-care plan, help to keep your appointment concise and focused and improve communication.

 

Laurie Thompson is executive director at the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety.