Part of an ongoing series dedicated to raising health and safety awareness across the Temple community.
We all want to be heard. Yet according to one study, doctors, on average, interrupt patients 18 seconds into their description of what’s wrong. Does your healthcare provider hear you?
Research shows that patients who have a good relationship with their healthcare providers receive better care and are more satisfied. Yet some people may feel intimidated by the prospect of talking to their healthcare provider. Some are afraid of sounding ignorant; others may feel embarrassed discussing personal issues or body functions.
Below are four pointers from Student and Employee Health Services to help you improve the connection between you and your healthcare provider.
1. Be completely honest and forthcoming.
Don't hold back information. You may be asked about personal subjects such as sex, smells, bowel movements or other issues that you might consider embarrassing. We are not here to judge you. Besides, there’s very little that we have never heard or seen before!
If you’re worried about a specific disease, tell us. For example, many patients who have headaches are afraid that they might have a brain tumor. If you’re worried that your symptoms might mean that you have cancer, ask your healthcare provider to explain why he or she thinks you don’t have cancer. Often, in a matter of a few seconds, he or she can allay your fears.
When you’re asked if you’re using any medications, your healthcare provider wants to know about non-prescription products, too. Even vitamins can have side effects, and herbs can interact with prescription medicines. So be sure to tell him or her if you’re taking any vitamins, herbs, supplements or other natural products. If you’re taking someone else’s prescription medicine or even street drugs, your doctor needs to know — he or she is not the police.
A word about confidentiality: We take your privacy very seriously. We don’t share anything you tell us with anyone else without your permission. Not your parents, not your professor, not your boss, not even your spouse or partner. We only alert somebody if we think your life or someone else’s life is in immediate danger.
2. Write things down. Get written information.
Studies also show that patients forget about half of what their healthcare provider tells them soon after their appointment. Furthermore, half of what they do remember is incorrect. Feeling sick or nervous can make it hard for you to listen and understand the information you’re given.
To combat this, write down any questions you have ahead of time and ask them during the exam. Be sure to write down the most important questions first to make sure they get answered. Start your appointment by saying, “ I have ______ things that I’d like to discuss with you.”
Then, write down your healthcare provider’s instructions and the name of your condition. Or ask him or her to write these things down for you. They’ll even spell out words for you if you ask.
Also, request pamphlets or handouts about your condition. When you get home, you can review them at your own pace.
3. Speak up. Ask questions.
Your healthcare provider’s job is to explain your condition and treatment. It’s your job to say when you don’t understand something. Try not to nod if you don’t understand.
If you don’t ask questions, we will think you understand everything we have told you. Some good questions to ask:
“What else could this be?”
“When should I expect to start feeling better?”
“What are the possible side effects of this medicine?”
“How will I get my test results?”
“How much will this cost me?”
If the diagnosis or the treatment plan doesn’t make sense to you, then ask, “Can you say that a different way?”
Tell us if you need more time to talk about something. We don’t mind. Your healthcare provider may need more time to give your problem the attention it deserves. He or she may want to devote another appointment to your problem.
If you get the sense that your healthcare provider does mind being asked questions, you may need to get a new healthcare provider.
4. Go with your gut.
You need to feel comfortable with your healthcare provider if you’re going to work together. After all, he or she works for you.
If you sense that a healthcare provider’s personality doesn’t mesh with yours, it’s okay to request a different one. It won’t hurt his or her feelings. Remember, it’s your health at stake.
For more information on improving communication with your healthcare provider, visit:
“Be an Active Health Care Consumer” (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
http://www.ahrq.gov/path/beactive.htm
“Talking With Your Doctor” (National Institutes of Health)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/talkingwithyourdoctor.html
“When You Visit Your Doctor” (Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide)
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/doctor/doctor.shtml
This article is part of an ongoing series of health and safety articles aiming to raise awareness among Temple University employees, faculty and students about a range of health and safety issues. The initiative was developed by Temple’s Health and Safety Awareness Committee, comprising members from across the university community. For further information about effective communication with your doctor, contact Student and Employee Health Services at 215-204-7391. If you have other health and safety questions, concerns and/or suggestions, please contact the Health and Safety Committee at healthandsafety@temple.edu.