5 Important Things You Need Before 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. Talking to your doctor is an important part of good healthcare decision making, and taking an active role in your own healthcare.  Patients can't afford to just be passengers, they need to be partners.

Being involved creates better outcomes.

So, what is the best way you can be actively involved in your relationship with your doctor? 
Here are 5 important things you need in preparation for your doctor appointments.

ONE - Have a health plan - use our My Health Plan templates to make it easy to keep a health plan
A health plan is a record of your past, current and future health information and goals. It can be printed and kept in a binder or folders, or digitally on your device or 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.

Many people may be involved with your plan. Your health plan is continually evolving and its strength depends on your relationships with those who are involved. Keeping a health plan will help you to make decisions about your healthcare. It's your health and therefore your health plan.

TWO - Have a list of health concerns
Write out your areas of concern to review with your doctor, detailing information on symptoms, such as how long you've had them and when you experience them. Plan ahead as you may have limited time with your doctor.

THREE - Have a list of questions
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?

If you don’t understand what your doctor is saying you can ask for clarification. Say “this is new to me, please explain again”. Repeat back to the provider what you heard to ensure it is correct. After that, if you want more information, you can ask your doctor for recommended resources.

FOUR - Bring medication information
To help your doctor keep current with all your medications, 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.

FIVE - Bring an advocate
If you find it difficult to be an active participant, a patient advocate can support you. If you feel you may need assistance with remembering information, asking questions, taking notes, you can ask for a loved one to attend the appointment as your patient advocate. If you believe your doctor doesn’t allow you to be an active participant, raise your concerns with the doctor.

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 important 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!