communication is essential to get the most benefit from your doctor visit, yet
so often the lines of communication break down or are never adequately
Here are some reasons for
poor doctor-patient communication:
- Lack of face time with the doctor.
- Feelings of intimidation on the patient's part.
- Lack of comfort with the subject matter.
Communication is a very
important part of getting the best possible treatment. What can you as the
patient do to improve this process?
Communication Is a Two-Way
You might be surprised to
learn that doctors are generally not given any specific training in how to
communicate well with patients. A doctor's training concentrates on the skills
of diagnosis and treatment, often objectifying the patient as a set of symptoms
to be treated. Bedside manner is something learned by doing and some may never
become adept at this skill. As the patient, however, there are some things you
can do to help the process along.
Be Prepared for the Visit
Doctors today are often
pressed for time. It is incumbent upon the patient to be well-prepared prior to
office visits in order to accomplish the most in a shorter period of time. Like
a good Boy Scout, you should "be prepared". Some steps you can take
to get ready for your office visit:
- Arrange your priorities for the visit ahead of time. Discuss
what it is that concerns you the most at the outset of the visit.
- Prior to your visit, review your answers to the following likely
topics: your symptoms, your medical history, what you feel may be causing your
symptoms (for example, a stressful event that has recently occurred), your
current and past medications and treatments.
- Make a list of any questions or issues that you have carried
over from your last visit.
you don't feel you will remember everything, write it down. This will help you
stay focused and get everything accomplished that you desire.
Read everything you can
get your hands on about your illness and its treatments. Ask questions. There
is a plethora of information on the Internet. Just plug the name of your drug
or condition into your favorite search engine and read away. Keep a pad and pen
handy as you search to write down questions for your doctor. Print out relevant
articles and resources for future reference.
Your Needs Matter
Suffering from unbearable
side effects? You don't need to suffer in silence. One of the goals of your
treatment should be to get you back as close to normal as possible. Although
many medications produce undesirable side effects, such as sexual dysfunction
or weight gain, the good news is that many of the newer medications coming down
the pipeline do not. If side effects are a concern, have a frank discussion
with your doctor about trying an alternate medication.
Doctors are not mind
readers. If a treatment isn't working, they won't know if you don't tell them.
Nor can they help with side effects. One of the primary means a doctor uses to
determine if a treatment is helping you is your feedback. Providing your doctor
with complete, timely and honest information is crucial in getting you on the
best medication for your needs.
This Is Just Too
Have a problem that you
feel ashamed to discuss? I'm going to let you in on a little secret. You are
not the first person to face this issue and your doctor will not be shocked or
upset with you for mentioning it. Remember, your doctor is there to help.
There's no reason you have to suffer in silence with sexual dysfunction or any
other embarrassing problem you may have.
The solution may be quite
simple compared to how difficult the problem may feel. To get your best care,
you must be honest. Also, keep in mind that doctors have an ethical obligation
to keep your case confidential. If you just can't bring yourself to say
something, however, try these tips:
you don't feel comfortable talking aloud about the problem, write it down. How
you communicate the problem is not as important as if you communicate
put off talking about it. Bring it up at the beginning of the session and get
it out of the way first thing.
to the nurse ahead of time. Sometimes patients feel less intimidated by a nurse
or other office personnel. The nurse can then bring up your problem to the
doctor allowing him to broach the subject with you in a less threatening
- Remember that your doctor is just another human being like
yourself. Having an advanced degree does not mean that he is immune to the same
conditions that you yourself are experiencing. My first psychiatrist got into
the field of psychiatry because he was suffering from panic attacks during
But They Just Won't
Let's say you've done all
your homework, but your doctor interrupts you or says not to worry and
dismisses your concerns? You just don't feel like you're being heard. What
should you do?
At this point, it's very
important to remember that you are paying for a service. You are the customer
and you deserve to have your needs dealt with. Speak calmly, but assertively.
Let your doctor know that you value his time, but you do not feel confident
that your questions have been addressed. Then ask your questions again politely
and don't back down until you feel satisfied that you have been answered. Avoid
taking a confrontational stance, but do make certain that you are really being
listened to. In all likelihood, this will be enough. Oftentimes, doctors become
accustomed to making decisions for patients because most patients are used to
turning all the decision making power over to their physicians. A patient who
wants to become involved in his own treatment is a novelty. If, however, you
simply are not getting the service that you desire don't be afraid to seek out
another doctor. Your health and well-being are at stake. You deserve to get the
service you are paying for.