I feel patients can and must play an active role in making sure they get the best medical care. Sadly, most patients are still very passive and are happy to leave everything up to the doctor. They are scared to ask questions because they underestimate their ability to make sense of medical care. This can be dangerous, especially when things aren t going well, and you need to learn to speak up by being aware and well-informed. After all, if you won t look after yourself, then who will?
The empowered patient
An empowered patient assumes responsibility for managing her health, and this reduces the risk of errors. For example, she will call the clinic and make sure that she gets the results of the lab tests her doctor has ordered, rather than wait passively for the clinic to phone her!
Patients today want to exercise the power of choice when it comes to deciding the medical care that is being provided & the manner in which it is provided. When patients actively buy-in to the treatment plan because they have crafted it in partnership with their doctor, they are much more motivated in complying with the doctor s advice, and this reduces the risk for slips and mistakes.
The smart patient is a VIP - a very well informed patient! You need to
Assume responsibility- This is your body and you need to remember the buck stops with you.
Collaborate - Know that this is a very challenging journey and that you will need help to traverse this road. You are going to need all the support you get so be gracious in accepting it. Please co-operate fully with the medical staff - they are a part of your team!
Gather evidence- Leave no stone unturned when it comes to learning more about your illness and treatment options. Check with other patients, make observations, record symptoms, take family histories, participate in medical tests, and use the internet and other resources to become well-informed. Keep a copy of all your medical records and make sure they are updated. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in creating their own personal health record (PHR).
Stay safe- Be vigilant; do not let your guard down. Medical errors can occur at the best of establishments. Just ensure that you don t become the victim of those errors.
If you don t feel confident enough about handling everything yourself, you can seek support from a knowledgeable and resourceful patient-advocate, who will be able to work the system in your favor.
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Once you have made prudent choices, stand by them and you will find that you are more confident and in control
An empowered patient is the CEO of her health team.
You should be able to say Yes to all the following
I feel comfortable with each of my doctors.
I believe I'm doing everything I possibly can, to be an empowered team player.
My healthcare team is supportive of my decisions to seek a second opinion when I want to do so.
I have spoken with specialists and have conducted my own research to keep abreast of the latest information about my disease.
I source credible websites for the information I need.
I ask my healthcare team about my treatment options.
I know whom to contact if I need financial help for treatment.
I get support by connecting with other patients.
I take steps to prepare for each visit- I jot down a list of questions beforehand and bring them with me.
I ask my doctor relevant questions and ensure he provides satisfactory answers.
I use a system to organize my health information which I can access when I need it.
I ask for my health records at the end of each visit.
I ask friends, family, or trusted coworkers to help out when necessary.
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