Many medical problems stem from miscommunication. Whether you didn’t understand your symptoms, diagnosis, or proposed treatment, there are a lot of things that can hinder your recovery. In some cases, miscommunication might force you to change your GP, despite them doing a good job.
Perhaps the easiest way to address the issue is by hiring a nurse advocate to clear the air. However, there are also a few other tricks you can implement that will make communication much smoother. In this article, we’ll share a few methods that will make things much clearer for you and your family.
Take Time to Prepare
Before going to the doctor’s office, most people don’t even think about preparation. They’re convinced that a medical professional can help them regardless of the situation. However, as many people realize sooner or later, doctors are also fallible and rely on correct data to make a proper judgment.
Write a list of symptoms and explain when each one of them started. Go into specifics. For example, talk about things that improve or worsen your symptoms. It is also vital that you bring your medical history, particularly regarding the affected body part. Another good practice is monitoring your health over time, so that the doctor has a better understanding of changes.
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Be Straightforward
As mentioned, doctors need precise information to make a proper judgement. Being embarrassed about your condition or its symptoms can slow down the recovery or completely derail it. Furthermore, it is in your best interest to provide as much information as possible, as even the smallest things can indicate a different diagnosis.
When explaining the symptoms, tell the doctor which body part is affected, what kind of pain you’re feeling, and how frequently you feel it. You should also talk about the drugs you might be using, as well as lifestyle habits (even if they might seem irrelevant).
Write Your Questions
Writing questions in advance ensures that you or your doctor won’t forget something. You can ask them about best practices, lifestyle and dietary habits, drug interactions, and ancillary treatments that may improve your condition. Similar to your GP, having as much info as possible will hasten your recovery by changing your habits and implementing the best possible therapy.
Feel free to ask them about alternative therapies and lifestyle changes that might exacerbate or improve the condition. Ask about the drugs and their potential risks, as well as the potential impact the condition might have on your daily life. Lastly, if you’re not satisfied with the doctor, feel free to ask them to recommend a colleague.
Listen to Their Instructions
A lot of patients have trouble listening to medical professionals and implementing their suggestions. In many cases, this happens because they’re too flustered. However, there are also those who think they know better than their doctor.
We always recommend taking notes during the exam, especially regarding the medical terms and drugs. If you don’t catch something or if it doesn’t make sense, ask your doctor to clarify things. Repeating after the GP is another great practice, as it reinforces everything you’ve heard.
Learn About Your Rights
One of the biggest mistakes patients make is completely relinquishing their rights when they see a doctor. Many people believe that the medical professional knows what’s best for us, and they’re willing to accept unorthodox treatments and exams. They rarely challenge the GP even when it’s obvious they’re not working in our best interest.
First of all, you have to remember that you’re entitled to a different option. Anything that makes you uncomfortable, such as undressing in front of a male doctor, should be taken into account. You should also have full access to all your medical data, including test results, proposed treatment, and medical history.
Establish a Rapport
Sometimes, the difference in personality or opinion between a patient and their doctor can lead to friction, forcing the patient to ultimately switch doctors. Ideally, you should view your GP as someone who’s working in your best interest and isn’t looking to hinder you in any way.
You are free to share your opinion and be clear about your expectations. Explain what your borders are, but also ask the doctor how you can make their job easier. Most importantly, feel free to relate to the professional on a personal level by joking and discussing casual topics.
Handle Your Emotions
Being sick is never fun. This is especially true if you’re suffering from a chronic or terminal condition. However, you must remember that it isn’t the doctor’s fault that you’re in this position. Try not to be emotional during your visits, as it may cloud your judgement and make the GP reluctant to help you.
Learn a few breathing techniques and introduce methods that will help you calm down. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, bring a family member who will help you push through. Also, keep in mind that it’s completely ok to be scared or anxious, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should burst at the doctor.
Implement Technology
Nowadays, a lot of doctors offer their patients special digital tools for improving communication. For example, many clinics have designated portals where their patients can check test results, contact their GP, or request drug refills.
Telehealth has significantly changed how we communicate with each other, as it saves time for both sides. Furthermore, these virtual meetings make it easier to have a consultation at any time of the day. Although apps and wearables are not typically used for communication, they can help doctors by providing a clearer picture of your vitals over time.
Mastering Effective Communication
Unfortunately, many people completely disregard the importance of communication. As shown in this article, changing just a few habits can make life easier for both you and the doctor. It will lead to faster recovery, better outcomes, and much less money spent on various fees and drugs.
