COMMUNICATING WITH HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TIPS TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CARE TEAM: Pick a doctor or team of health providers with whom you can comfortably communicate. Prepare ahead of time for each doctor visit. Make a list of specific issues and questions that you need to discuss. Make notes describing the key changes in your health or the care recipient’s medical condition so your doctor has a clear picture of your needs during the visit. Keep a list of current medications —name of drug, what the strength is, how often it is taken, when refills are needed— and take it with you to your appointments. Be ready to tell the doctor exactly what you need at each appointment (information, referrals to care, refills or new drug prescriptions, etc.). Learn about the disease or disability, and the symptoms and treatments, including clear definitions of the words that the health care team uses. Ask questions until you understand. Ask about what the treatment options are, including the pros and cons of each. 49
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM5MDkxNg==