5 ways to help your doctor help you
In this article we will describe 5 ways to help your doctor help you.
1. Shift your perception of doctors
Understand that doctors are human and prone to making mistakes. They burn out. They have varying levels of knowledge, skill, and experience.
They have bad days too. Maybe they just had a row with the wife/husband.
But. At the same time, recognise that you have a right to expect the same level of service and communication from your doctor as you would from any other professional.
Be more demanding of your doctors, especially when it comes to accessing your medical records and seeking timely communication.
If your GP or hospital consultant isn’t good enough, move to another. It’s not easy but possible.
2. Be politely assertive
Patients should assert themselves politely to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. If you feel that your treatment is not up to par, express your concerns to your doctor.
This includes expressing concerns about wait times or unresponsive communication, as one would with other professional services.
If this is so, let them know that it is not acceptable. Asserting yourself in small but meaningful ways will help you.
3. Keep good medical records – and thereby try to achieve a. continuity and b. co-ordination of the team looking after you (or your loved one)
We all know NHS computers don’t link up. So what are you doing to help get around that issue?
Keeping a personal medical record is crucial due to the lack of integration between different healthcare systems.
So it is important to maintain your own comprehensive medical record. Due to the lack of integration between GP, hospital, and pharmacy computer systems, errors can occur in your medical records.
Keep a summary of your healthcare history, including long-term conditions, operations, hospital letters, and a list of medications and allergies. This information will help you provide accurate details to your doctor and reduce the risk of errors.
Continuity is vital for good healthcare. You know that. You like it. We like it. But with increasingly complex systems. it’s harder and harder to achieve. Here are some examples of things you can do to help.
- Having a medical record that says who your saw last time and how to contact the helps alot
- Ask the receptionist at your GPs to give you an appointment with Dr X (who knows you and you like), in 2 weeks; rather than seeing temporary Dr Y tomorrow (who does not know you)
- Waiting 2h to see the (albeit late and grumpy) consultant that knows you, rather than a bright chirpy 2nd year doctor in 10 mins time, who won’t (or can’t) make a decision, is worthwhile
- If you find a good hospital consultant don’t let them discharge you, and ask (i.e. insist on!) on more frequent appointments
- If you are looking after a frail older relative, you need to be there. Physically there. Not ‘available’ or in ‘good contact’ from another part of the UK or World. You chose to work or live there
- And most importantly, YOU need to co-ordinate ‘the system’ (GP, hospital, social care, carers etc). Don’t blame the system when they don’t work together.
4. Self-monitoring
For certain silent diseases – like diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cholesterol, and high blood pressure – you can monitor your condition partly at home and with the assistance of a practice nurse at your GPs.
Learn about self-monitoring techniques and regularly track relevant parameters or symptoms. Also, consider how comorbidities (other diseases that coexist with your primary condition) and your mental health can impact your overall well-being.
5. Gain knowledge about your conditions
Educate yourself about your medical conditions. There are plenty of reliable patient books, reputable websites, and disease-specific charities that provide valuable information.
By understanding your conditions, treatment options, and potential complications, you can actively participate in decisions about your healthcare. This knowledge empowers you and enhances your confidence in managing your health effectively.
Remember, effective doctor-patient collaboration is crucial for optimal healthcare outcomes. By taking an active role in your medical care, you can help your doctor better understand your needs, provide more personalised treatment, and improve the overall quality of your healthcare experience.
Summary
We have described 5 ways to help your doctor help you. We hope it has been helpful.
