How you as a patient can actively shape a doctor’s consultation
Do you know the feeling? You come out from a consultation with your doctor and you are not completely satisfied: everything went too quickly; you could not discuss everything you wanted to. As a rule this is because we as patients do not prepare well enough and do not write down in advance the topics and questions that we would like to discuss. Often, however, the dynamics of doctor-patient communication also contribute to the fact that we cannot always include what we want to.
In this article you will read about what you should pay attention to in such consultations and how you can maintain an active role to reach your goals.
Why doctor’s consultations can be challenging
Doctors conduct numerous consultations every day. Understandably, they have developed their own procedure, which has proven effective and become established.
Patients are much less used to conducting doctor’s consultations. Because of worries or pain, patients are often stressed or depressed. Additionally, their medical competence is significantly lower than that of the doctor. This all leads to them lacking the confidence to conduct the consultation and to make sure all their topics and questions are discussed. They also hesitate to tackle disturbances to the flow of conversation. Afterwards, they feel frustrated.
Address disturbances in the consultation
As a general rule, irritating factors and disturbances to the course of a conversation are very significant. A consultation which goes badly will not get good results with respect to content!
Fortunately, there is also a proven means of influencing the conversation process in doctor-patient consultations. If you as a patient are not satisfied with the way a doctor’s consultation was conducted, you should raise the issue. Of course, that is easier said than done, but it is effective!
What to do if something is not right for you as a patient? You do not understand a professional term. You get too much information at once. A question is burning on your tongue. Our hint: Address it! If you say nothing, the problem will not be solved.
Three hints about addressing disturbancesIt is true to say doctors work under pressure of time. But they have good intentions. And it is also in the interests of the medical profession to conduct good consultations. If you bring this to their attention, they will usually clarify the medical term, speak more slowly, address your concerns and answer your questions.
Express yourself politely and respectfully. Here the tone of your voice and your facial expression play an important role. Sometimes you have to speak a little louder to be heard; however, it is important not to become aggressive.
Do not criticise your doctor. Do not use any “you messages” but rather “I messages” – e.g.: Rather than say “You speak much too much and far too quickly” say “The conversation is going too fast for me and I can’t understand everything”.
Describe what disturbs you and not what the doctor should do – e.g.: Do not say “Will you finally listen to me” but rather “I’m afraid we’re talking at cross purposes”.