By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
Throughout all of these experiences, I’ve learned strategies that not only helped my clients but can also help anyone who finds themselves in similar situations.
Your Valuable Input
Many of our parents come from a generation during which they relied solely on the doctor to understand, identify and quickly know the answers to our medical concerns. The patient-doctor exchange was primarily focused on the doctor’s input, while the patient rarely questioned or added additional information.
Today, we realize the important role the patient plays in defining their medical experience and overall health. Both the medical community and general population continue to understand our overall health is an integrated process rather than specific isolated pieces and parts. Our bodies are finely tuned machines and each part affects the other.
In today’s world, where we have access to endless information, more people are understanding what we eat, how we live, exercise and worry about all play a role in our overall health. This holistic understanding has changed and continues to change our medical experiences.
Whether you are by yourself or accompanying another to a medical setting, here are a few practical tips to assist with the experience, reduce errors, save time, and know you are doing the best for yourself or the person you are supporting.
Many of us have heard the motto “Be Prepared” most of our lives, and guess what? It is still true. Be prepared to have and share accurate information about yourself or the person you are assisting and realize you will repeat that information often. Try not to get annoyed; recognize how large and busy our health care systems are. We often have care teams with rotating doctors, meaning multiple people contribute to our health experiences. Help yourself or the person you are supporting by readily repeating information. This could potentially prevent errors in diagnosis and treatment.
While so much information is online and accessible today, try to avoid saying, “I don’t know, it’s in my chart or records.” Having basic medical information readily available can be valuable, save time and reduce potential errors.
To get the most out of any medical experience, you should understand this: it’s all about you or the person you are assisting. Being actively involved in our own health care experience is imperative. We need to speak up, talk about ourselves, and be prepared with accurate information and questions. Medical care should not be a passive activity; it should be an activity with the patient at the lead.
Over the years, I have observed that medical professionals tend to spend more time, discuss more options, and provide more education on issues and concerns when the patient or person assisting the patient is engaged. Patients who are prepared and realize their medical care is not a one-way street with the doctor in control often have a better experience and outcome.
Know These Things to Prepare for your Next Medical Appointment
- Medical diagnosis
- Allergies to medicines, foods
- Medications – name, dosage, how long have they been taken, their purpose and the doctor who prescribed them. Include all vitamins, supplements, special teas and/or any homeopathic aid currently being used.
- Height, weight
- Appetite
- Sleep patterns
- Overall mood, outlook
- Bowel patterns
Original article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogs/caregiver-corner/caregiver-corner-get-the-best-medical-care-help-yourself/