Talking to your doctor(s) and other medical professionals
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"I know my doctor has a busy schedule and can only spend a limited amount of time with me. How do I get him/her to pay attention to what I am saying without feeling rushed?"
Many people have difficulty talking to their doctors. Some people are afraid to ask questions, while others hesitate to bring up specific topics or concerns. The following information provides a few suggestions for getting the most from your medical appointments. |
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You can help make your appointment a more positive experience by being prepared.
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Let the receptionist at the doctor's office know when you have a number of topics (perhaps you can be scheduled for an extended visit).
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Keep a notebook for questions and topics you would like to discuss during the appointment. These may include:
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Questions about medication - including changes and/or side-effects
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Telling the doctor how you have been feeling, particularly any changes
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Questions regarding nutrition
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Referrals
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Bring your notebook to write down the responses to those questions plus:
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Information about any medication changes and non-drug treatments
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Future appointments that you have scheduled or need to schedule
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Any other issues that you wish to discuss
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Bring a friend or family member to write down the responses to the questions if necessary
(Adapted from the RLS Webinar, "Managing Your Life in Motion" presentation, October 3, 2007. Dr. John Winkelman Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School.
A mistake we often make when visiting the doctor is not asking enough questions. In the past, the doctor was viewed as a source of knowledge that one should not question. Those days are long gone but we can still find it difficult to ask questions. Plan them ahead of time and write them down.
Write down your questions in order of importance, in case there is not enough time in one appointment to discuss all of your concerns. The following is a detailed list of questions to use as a guide when preparing your own list.
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Don't be put off by big words or if your doctor seems busy or impatient.
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If you don't understand what the doctor is telling you, ask him or her to explain it again, perhaps using different words, drawing or showing you a picture.
Don't leave the office without understanding everything the doctor told you!
A person with Parkinson's disease may need a variety of medical professionals including a:
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Family doctor
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Speech therapist
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Massage therapist
For example, if your voice is getting soft don't hesitate to ask your doctor for information on speech therapy. If you are having trouble moving around at home, ask about an in-home assessment by an occupational or physical therapist. When something is bothering you, don't hesitate to speak up.
If you are unclear about various healthcare professions,
contact Parkinson Society British Columbia for information.
