Be an Active Partner in Your Healthcare

We have all had the experience of visiting our doctor’s and afterward thinking of questions we wished we had thought to ask.  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, says asking questions and providing information to your healthcare providers, actually helps to improve your care.  Also, when you actively participate in your care, it helps build trust between you and your doctor and leads to better results. 

The AHRQ has put together a series of questionnaires to facilitate better communication between you and your doctor.  They explain that once you get in the habit of preparing questions beforehand, you can more efficiently use your time with the doctor (doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient).   

Questions will change depending on the reason for your visit such as discussing a medical procedure (remember you are your own best advocate).  AHRQ recommends asking: why do I need this procedure; how many times have you performed it; and when will I get the results? It is also advisable to ask if there are alternative treatments that are just as effective; possible complications; and what hospital is best for this type of procedure?  

If you are being prescribed a new medication, AHRQ says to ask how the new drug will interact with other prescription drugs you are taking as well as with over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins you use.  Also ask how long you will be taking the drug and any common side effects.  

Another good take-away from the article is it reminds patients that doctors and nurses welcome questions as they let them know you understand their instructions and are an active partner in your care.  If you feel overwhelmed by lots of new information, consider bringing a family member or trusted friend along with you to the appointment.   

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Source: ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/index.html