Ask Your Doctor These Questions Instead of Just Nodding As If You Understand.
When you describe your problem, your role in the doctor’s office does not end. You need to understand what your provider is telling you – and that is doubly so if you sign a form that says you understand the risks of a procedure or participation in a study.
Some service providers explain better than others, but two doctors write in the New York Times that if you ask the right questions, you’ll have a better chance of knowing what you’re really into. For instance:
- Summarize what you heard in your own words . Ask if you understood correctly. Not only does this give your document a chance to correct any misconceptions, but it is also a great strategy for memorizing things better .
- Ask for a written copy of instructions or even a picture or video . Providers may have them handy or be able to point you to reliable sources of information.
- Ask about best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios. It can help you sort through a convoluted list of risks and better understand if a procedure or treatment is worth it at all.
- Explore alternative treatment options and ask about the pros and cons of each. Your provider may recommend someone they are most experienced with or comfortable with, but you deserve to know what other options are.
For other questions and reasons why communication between doctor and patient is not always so good, see the link below.
An informed patient? Don’t bet on it | New York Times