How to talk to your doctor

1. How to talk to your doctor

2. Have you ever felt like this at a doctor’s visit?

3. One person’s view “I had trouble understanding what my doctor was telling me. The words were too technical, and there was too much to absorb. I finally asked her to slow down and keep it simple. That helped a lot.” -Joanne, person recently diagnosed with diabetes

4. Communication is good for health Good communication More satisfaction Better outcomes

5. Purpose • To gain communication skills for more satisfaction with healthcare • Understand your rights/responsibilities and who your healthcare team is • Recognize barriers to communication • Have better outcomes with doctors’ visits through preparation • Feel more empowered about your own healthcare

6. Who makes up your health care team? + YOU!

7. You have rights...and responsibilities

8. Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities • Information disclosure • Choice of providers and plans • Access to emergency services • Participation in treatment decisions • Respect and nondiscrimination • Confidentiality of health information • Complaints and appeals • Consumer responsibilities President’s Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in Health Care Industry, 1998c

9. Patient responsibilities • Provide accurate information • Seek clarification • Follow through with plan • Follow the rules of the facility • Be considerate of others’ rights • Provide information for insurance claims/payment

10. Health care provider responsibilities • Be competent • Don’t discriminate • Communicate well • Be a partner • Maintain boundaries

11. Let’s talk about communication

12. Why is doctor-patient communication important? • Good communication is one of the most important parts for getting good health care. However, it’s: • Not easy • Takes time and effort • Nerve-wracking • Time limits • Forgetting things

13. Barriersto good doctor-patient communication • Language/culture • Limited access to care/low quality • Aggressive doctors/medical jargon • Stereotyping • Time limits/excessive waits • Confidentiality • Provider shows lack of concern • Age/gender/dress/grooming • Can’t get to the doctor Doctor to patient: “It’s simple your have dibertriglycerhemofibromyalgianosis!”

14. Examples of gooddoctor-patient communication

15. What should be accomplished at your doctor’s visit? • Your health problem is addressed • Help with decision-making Expectations (Ask Me 3): • What is my problem? • (Information exchange ) • What do I need to do? • (Communication of information about your health • Why is it important for me to do this? • Decision making plans and agreement Partnership for Clear Health Communication

16. How to talk to your health care provider • Be prepared for your doctor’s visit • Ask questions/receive information • Be assertive/express your health concerns

17. TIP1: Be Prepared! Before the visit • Set goals • Write down problems • Know your medical history During the visit • Share information with your doctor • Take notes during visit • What do you want to say? • Focus…1 point at a time.

18. TIP 2: Ask questionsReceive information • Seek information and clarification • How long is the treatment? • Are there alternatives? • Think of questions that are specific to YOU. • Keep it short

19. TIP 3: Be assertiveExpress your health concern • Express your beliefs, interests, desires • State your preferences or disagreement • Use “I” statements

20. Activity • Common barriers • Good techniques to overcome barrier • What would you say to overcome barrier.

21. Summary