10 Ways to Effective Communication With Your Doctor

By Linda Wilson

One of the most important things in taking care of yourself is understanding your doctor's advice well enough to carry it out. While that sounds simple enough, here in the United States studies have shown that approximately 90 million people don't understand their doctor's advice well enough to follow it at home. And that can be dangerous, especially for the diabetic. For the diabetic, caring for their illness is a big job. There are lots of things to remember and lots of things to do. And just about the time you think you have it all figured out, you go in for your routine check-up. And wouldn't you know it! When your tests results come back, you get a phone call from your doctor's office. You are told to change meds or take meds at different times, etc. It's no wonder we sometimes get confused.

However, not having a good understanding of your doctor's orders, whatever your illness, can be more than just confusing. Studies have shown that those who don't fully understand their doctor's orders are almost twice as likely to die within a five year period than those who do have a good understanding! So it is vitally important to leave your doctor's appointment with a clear understanding of what you should do. And remember this, doctors are used to medical terms and sometimes their advice becomes rote as they repeat it over and over to their patients. It is up to you to make sure you leave their office with all your questions answered and any confusion explained away. Here are some tips to help you as you work to increase your "health literacy":

1. Ask your doctor or health care professional to explain any medical terms you do not understand.

2. If you receive a diagnoses you never heard of, ask the doctor to explain exactly what it is and to spell it for you. When I was diagnosed with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, I had no idea what that was. I asked my doctor to explain it and write it down for me. He wrote the words down for me then told me it was a very rare disease. He then excused himself and came back into the room with a large medical book. He opened the book to my disease and read to me from his medical book. This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't asked. But he was glad to do it when he realized how important that was to me.

3. If they speak softly and you have trouble hearing, tell them so. Make sure you hear everything they say!

4.Many of our health care professionals are from foreign countries. If you have a problem understanding their accent, don't be embarrassed about it. Ask to have a nurse, etc in the room to explain anything you have trouble fully understanding.

5. Many times our doctors seem to be in a hurry. Remember that you are as important as the next patient. If they rush through your instructions, ask them to slow down. Don't be embarrassed to ask them to repeat something.

6. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a "dumb question" where your health is concerned.
7. Ask for information pamplets, etc. if you don't fully understand your illness. Or ask your doctor to write down information resources for you.

8. Take a family member or trusted friend with you and ask them to listen carefully and make notes for you if needed.

9. Ask your doctor for an explanation of tests results even if they are normal. What is "normal" and what does it mean in your case?

10. When your doctor gives you a prescription, have him/her explain to you what it is, why you need to take it, and clear directions for taking it. Then make sure the information on the prescription matches what your doctor told you. This is just an outline of ten ways to help you better understand what transpires when you visit your doctor or health care professional. You can probably add others. The main thing to remember is this. You are given one life. Make sure you take care of it. And that means making sure you and your doctor communicate effectively.

Copyright © 2007, Linda/diabeticenjoyingfood. All rights reserved.

For more of Linda's writings and recipes, go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
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