Three essential questions in a doctor’s consultation
Sometimes, a doctor’s consultation happens unexpectedly, perhaps due to an accident or other unforeseen circumstance. In such situations, we tend to be poorly prepared, and can find it hard to voice our concerns. Evenif the diagnosis is bad, we tend to become passive and stop asking questions. However, this is precisely the time to speak up!
Why active participation is important
Studies show that patients who play an active part in the consulta-tion and ask questions can make an important contribution to good treatment decisions.1) 2) Involved patients are perceived as atten-tive interlocutors and taken seriously. They can also provide im-portant information that helps with choosing the best treatment.
A simple trick: the Ask Me 3 model
Ask Me 3 is an internationally proven concept that helps you stay involved in every doctor’s consultation.3) It encourages you to ask three simple but important questions:
- What is the main problem?
This ensures that you understand the diagnosis correctly. - What do I have to do?
This is important so you are aware of the next steps. - Why is it important to do this?
This helps you understand the benefits of the treatment for you.
These questions will help you better understand the diagnosis, treatment and significance of the treatment. They will facilitate communication with the doctor and help you better comply with the treatment.
Basic questions to help you avoid passivity and shock-induced paralysis.
The Ask 3 Questions model
In addition to Ask Me 3, an Ask 3 Questions model was developed in English-speaking countries. This combines structured communi-cation with the patient’s involvement in decision making (shared decision making) and enables patients to obtain specific information and actively participate in treatment decisions.
The Ask 3 Questions model consists of the following questions:
- What are my options?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the options?
- What will help me make the right decision for me?
The 5 Questions for the Doctor model
This model involving 5 questions for the doctor was established in German-speaking countries. This set of simple, tried-and-tested questions will help you raise important points in the doctor’s con-sultation to help you reach a good joint decision.5) 6)
These questions are as follows:
- What treatment options are there?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of these?
- What is the likelihood of the advantages or disadvantages?
- What will happen if I do nothing or wait?
- What steps can I take to support my health?
This model aims to highlight all relevant aspects of a treatment and actively involve you in decision making.
Differences between the models
All models help you to stay involved in the doctor’s consultation and encourage you to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties. You can then make the best treatment decision for you with the support of your doctor.
Ask Me 3:
This model focuses on diagnostic understanding, treatment steps and individual benefits.
Ask 3 Questions:
This also includes shared decision making with a comparison of options and support with making a decision.
5 Fragen an den Arzt:
This covers all aspects of the treatment, including action the patient can take.
Sources
- Butow, P. N., et al. "Randomised trial of an educational intervention to improve communication between oncologists and patients with cancer." British journal of cancer 105.9 (2011): 1373-1381.
- Chewning, B., et al. "Patient participation in the shared decision-making process: the perspective of health care professionals." Patient education and counseling 86.3 (2012): 329-335.
- https://www.ihi.org/sites/default/files/SafetyToolkit_AskMe3.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- https://aqua.nhs.uk/resources/shared-decision-making-ask-3-questions/
- https://www.smartermedicine.ch/de/angebot/5-fragen-vor-der-behandlung
- https://www.stiftung-gesundheitswissen.de/gesundes-leben/patient-arzt/wer-fragt-gewinnt