Navigating Healthcare: The Importance of Communication and Asking the Right Questions
Healthcare experiences can sometimes be negative or unhelpful, but it’s often not the medicine itself that’s the issue. More frequently, it’s the communication breakdowns, the feeling of not being heard, and the lack of thorough explanations about treatment options that leave patients feeling unsure or unhappy with their care plan.
A common scenario is when a doctor, like myself, suggests starting a patient on a new medication, and the patient feels uncertain. This uncertainty doesn’t necessarily mean the treatment is wrong, but it highlights a communication gap that has led to a lack of clarity or differing opinions.
If you find yourself in this situation, here are some questions you might consider asking:
- Is this the only treatment available?
- How will this treatment benefit my condition?
- Why do you recommend this treatment over other options, and what are those other options?
- What would happen if I did not go on this treatment?
- How long would I need to be on this treatment?
- What are the potential risks of this treatment, and how likely are they?
- Is there any part of my medical history or conditions that makes me at higher risk of side effects?
Doctors should be willing and able to answer all these questions. Bringing prepared questions to your appointment can be very helpful, especially since appointments can sometimes feel rushed.
Remember, you don’t need to make any decisions on the spot. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for time to think and make a decision at a follow-up appointment. Of course, this doesn’t apply to dire emergency situations.
If you still feel unsure, it’s completely okay to seek a second opinion. I’ve had patients who were uncertain about the management I recommended, and I’ve also seen patients who sought a second opinion.
Often, the advice will be the same. However, there can be multiple suitable ways to treat a condition. For example, for mild post-menopause osteoporosis, options might include hormonal treatment, an oral bisphosphonate, or focusing on lifestyle changes like nutrition and strength training before repeating a bone density test in a year.
If you do seek a second opinion (or even your first opinion), try to see a specialist who has a particular interest in your condition. I also encourage my patients to bring a family member or friend to help remember information and ask questions.
Effective communication and asking the right questions can significantly improve your healthcare experience and ensure you feel confident and informed about your treatment plan.