What Did the Doctor Say? Tips to Get the Most From Your Health Care Visit
Did you ever walk away from a health care visit forgetting what was said or wondering what to do next?
There is a lot going on during a health care visit. Sometimes things get in the way of knowing what your next steps are. Maybe things went by too fast or there was a lot of information at one time.
Speak up if you have concerns, if you need us to slow down or tell you what something means.
Some of the words may have been strange or maybe you were distracted or anxious. Whatever the reason, it’s important that you have the information you need to care for your health.
What can you do to make sure you have all the information you need?
Speak up if you have concerns, or if you need us to slow down or tell you what something means. It’s your health, your story. If you have questions, the best time to ask is during your visit. We are here to help.
What is ChristianaCare doing to help?
Your doctors, nurses and your entire health care team want to make sure you have all the information you need. We are taking steps to make sure that we are explaining things clearly by:
- Slowing down.
- Avoiding medical words.
- Focusing on what you need to know or do.
- Including a family member or home caregiver who can support you.
- Asking you to say back what you heard in your own words.
If we are not doing these things, please ask.
How does explaining things back in my own words help?
When you say things back in your own words, it helps you remember. That way, you will be able to recall key points and next steps later. It also helps you think of any questions or concerns you might have.
When you tell us in your own words what you heard, we will know if we were unclear or missed anything when we were explaining.
By listening to your words, we can make sure that we fill in the gaps so you know the whole story.
Explaining things back in your own words ensures that we have a shared understanding of your health. This can help you make decisions important to your own health and goals.
Understanding your health and making good decisions can help you live a longer, healthier, happier life.
