“What do you think E.?” - me to my daughter.

“Oh right, do you have any questions for me?” - surgeon to E. after talking with my wife and I for half an hour.

Sometimes the most important thing to do is to advocate for the patient.

A few tips for a being an effective advocate:

Come prepared with a list of questions. Jot down medical histories, current symptoms or concerns so nothing falls through the cracks.

Engage in active listening. Really hear what the doctor is saying and take 📝notes to review later. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification- I’m pretty sure we asked the same question three different times before we finally understood.

Use your voice. Share how treatments are impacting daily life both positively and negatively. Your feedback can help improve plans going forward.

Don’t go it alone. Bring family or a close friend for an extra set of ears and perspective. This goes without saying for big, irreversible decisions.

Respect medical expertise while asserting your needs. Doctors have years of training but you know your needs best. Help them help you.

E had no questions for the doctor. But on the car ride home she had plenty of opinions and ideas.

The real conversations rarely happen during appointments.

#patientengagement

What else would you add? 👇