Talking to your Doctor
A strong doctor-patient relationship involves two-way communication. While your doctor contributes medical expertise, your contribution is equally as important because you know yourself best. The most satisfied patients are informed and involved in their healthcare.
If you find it difficult to be an active participant, a patient advocate can support you. If you believe your doctor doesn’t allow you to be an active participant, raise your concerns with the doctor.
If you don’t understand what your doctor is saying, say “this is new to me, please explain again”. Repeat back to the provider what you heard to ensure it is correct. If you’re not sure what questions to ask, start with our three “It’s Safe to Ask” questions:
1. What is my health problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why do I need to do this?
After that, if you want more information, ask your doctor for recommended resources. If you have any concerns, it’s your right to ask for a second opinion.
What is the best way to be active in your relationship with your doctor?
It begins with preparing for your appointments.
1. Have a healthcare plan – bring it along to help get the most from talking with your doctor.
2. Plan ahead. Doctors’ offices can be busy and you may have limited time with your doctor.
3. Write out your questions and concerns, review them with your Doctor.
4. List your symptoms, include details such as how long and when you experience them.
5. Bring a complete It’s Safe to Ask Medication Card. Ensure it’s complete and up-to-date. Always include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.
6. Ask your patient advocate to attend the appointment if you feel it necessary.
What is a healthcare plan?
A healthcare plan is a record of your past, current and future health information and goals. It can be kept in a binder, folders, or on your computer. Your plan includes your health history, medications, treatment goals, consultations, surgeries and appointments to monitor the progress of your health. The more complete the better.
Keeping a healthcare plan will help you to make decisions about your healthcare. It's your health and therefore your healthcare plan. Many people may be involved with your plan. Your healthcare plan is continually evolving and its strength depends on your relationships with those who are involved.
Following your appointment, it’s a good idea to review notes with your patient advocate. Your doctor may have outlined future steps such as additional appointments or prescriptions for medication. Add these to your healthcare plan to remember these important details.
Remember, your doctor plays an important role in your healthcare plan, and so do you. Open, two-way communication is key to your safety. Be sure to do your part, at appointments; be prepared, be active, and update your healthcare plan after.
For information about your patient rights and other patient safety topics, please visit safetoask.ca and browse through the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. You may also call 204-927-6477 or 1-866-927-6477.
Learn to be safe!
This article was originally part part of a series published in the Senior Scope in 2018, with articles on patient safety based on the S.A.F.E. Toolkit. The series was written by Laurie Thompson, who is executive director of the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety.
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