Regardless of the problem, it’s important for you to find a solution because medical miscommunication can hurt your health. Our blog is here to assist you to structure your thoughts and guide you when sitting down with our cardiologists.
Researchers at Ohio State University (Credit: Donald J. Cegala, Professor of Communication and Family Medicine, Ohio State University) developed the PACE Guide Sheet to give you an easy way to organize your feelings, questions and concerns before your visit.
PACE stands for:
A handy tool that can be used to write down your experienced symptoms and structure your thoughts.
· Do you take medicine to make you feel better? What medicing? When and how do you take the medicine?
· Do you think your symptoms might be affected by problems, worries or stress? (If so, explain this to your doctor.)
Always think about your questions before you see the doctor. Write your questions on your PACE sheet or a note card so you don't forget them. If you have more than three questions, put them down in order of importance so you do not skip them.
Use these sample questions to think about more information you'd like to know about your condition, medicines, tests and other treatments.
When you talk to your healthcare providers, you may hear things that are hard to understand. Or you may get mixed up because you hear so many things. Even if you think you know what the doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other professional is telling you, it's a good idea to clarify what you hear.
Try these phrases:
Healthcare professionals give a lot of instructions, such as when to take your medicines, what to watch out for and how to take care of yourself. These instructions are important. To be sure you understand them, repeat the instructions back, using your own words, and ask the professional if your understanding is correct.
Try these phrases:
At the end of a phone call or office visit, review what you've heard. Repeat the things on which you and your professional agreed. If you think you might forget something, write it down (or ask the professional to write it down for you). If you feel overwhelmed you may bring someone with you to assist you with remembering information gathered during the consultation.
You may have concerns about your condition and treatments, including procedures, tests, medicines, dietary changes and physical activity recommendations. It's very important to speak up and talk to your healthcare professionals about your concerns. Make sure you understand why the doctor is prescribing a certain treatment and how it will help your condition. You'll find it easier to follow a treatment plan when you know how important it is to your health.
You can make your condition worse if you don't follow your healthcare team's instructions. If you can't follow your treatment plan, be honest and talk with your doctor about it. He or she may be able to recommend another treatment that will meet your needs better. For example, if one of your medicines has unpleasant side effects, don't just stop taking it. Tell your doctor about the problem and ask if there's another medicine that will help your condition without the side effect.
It's up to you to carry out the professionals' advice to make yourself healthier.
Our team of doctors and nurses are all well experienced healthcare professionals with many years of hands-on patient care. We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone at our clinic so that patients feel relaxed enough to express concerns, symptoms, questions or fears. Why not reach out and book your next consultation?
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