Questions & Answers
1. Patients often complain that they have trouble understanding their doctors, and leave their office with a poor understanding of their diagnosis or recommended treatments. What steps can be taken to bridge this communication gap?
Both doctors and their patients should take this problem on because good communication means that both parties should try their best to communicate. Doctors often do not take the time to explain everything to patients. Research shows that doctors spend less time explaining things to patients who might be most likely to need more time, including patients who have less formal education or don’t speak English well. There are several things that patients can do to make sure they have the best opportunity to hear and understand what the doctor said.
First, patients should have their own agenda when they go for an appointment. Keep a notebook or journal of your medical appointments and write down the questions you want to ask at your visit. Write down the answers you hear from the doctors.
Ask the doctor to write down things for you. If a doctor gives you a diagnosis, ask her to write it down for you and explain what it means in non-medical terms. Ask for written instructions about tests like x-rays or MRIs that she recommends and what the tests will tell you.
Ask for written instructions about any medication changes that the doctor recommends.
Some patients tape record their conversations with their doctors, especially if they are discussing what to expect with a surgical procedure or cancer treatment, for example.
Once you think you understand the diagnosis and treatment plan, tell your doctor what you think in your own words to make sure you have it right.
2. Many people are hesitant to ask their doctor questions — they don’t want to take up their time, or they think they will not understand. How do you encourage patients to ask questions?
Patients should always feel that they have the right to ask questions. If you have questions, tell your doctor at the BEGINNING of the visit that there are some things you want to discuss. Write down your questions so you remember them. Many patients make the mistake of waiting to the end of the appointment as they are walking out the door to ask their questions. By then, doctors have to rush off to see the next patient and may not take as much time as is necessary to answer the questions. If the doctor says he does not have time to answer all the questions ask if there is another staff member, like a nurse, who might be available to answer then or make another appointment.
3. How do you encourage patients to assume a more active role in their health care?
It is very important for people to be active in their health care. They should report unusual symptoms, let their doctors know when therapies are not working for them, and learn how to manage their own medical conditions whether that means following a special diet, exercising, or getting regular check-ups.
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JudyAnn Bigby, M.D.
Director, Community Health Programs
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
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