Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side
by Martine G. Brousse,
Healthcare
Specialist, Patient Advocate, Certified Mediator
ADVIMEDPRO
Your Treatment: Get Involved...the right way! *
The times, they are changing for sure. Another example is
the way we, as patients, now see the medical profession and relate to our
physicians. I still remember my parents and grandparents blindly surrendering
their health and life to the doctor, having placed him on a pedestal lower than
God, but definitely higher than everyone else.
Nowadays, the trend leads us to research, question, and
direct our medical care providers, sometimes at the cost of alienating them, treating
ourselves incompetently and sabotaging our health.
Getting patients involved in their care, and keeping them on
board is crucial to making a treatment or health protocol successful.
Non-compliance is a big issue, resulting in botched results, uncertain futures,
increased risks of complications or aggravation and waste of resources, especially
financial. Yet, many patients are turned off by the perceived arrogance and
lack of listening skills that too many physicians exhibit. Faced with derision,
rejection or dismissal, they might hinder chances at a successful cure by not
reporting potential important health facts or even stopping treatment.
So, is there a middle way?
There must be, as many are achieving it. Working side to
side, many patients have learned to listen and profit from the wisdom and
experience that comes in a white coat, while expressing feedback, preferences
and questions in a process based on mutual respect and acceptance.
1. Research is necessary
Getting the facts straight is the first step toward a successful
outcome.
Before making or agreeing to any treatment, it always is recommended
that patients get acquainted with their diagnosis, its health repercussions, all course
of action options, costs and rates of success.
General information and fact sheets can be obtained from
government-based health websites, from private organizations focusing on this
condition and from fact sheets published by teaching universities or medical
associations. These will get you started:
2. Questions are essential
You should evaluate the impact on your daily life by asking
your physician how this diagnosis personally affects you.
Ask about each treatment, its risks and benefits. What are
the expected results, side effects and severity? How will you know a treatment
is working? What would it take to recognize a change of regimen is necessary? What
is the timetable for any lab, test or imaging?
What is the expected cost? Are there generic alternatives or
free samples for oral medications? Using an equivalent but less expensive
option might be beneficial if anxiety and stress due to financial concerns are
lowered.
Comparing options will help guide you and your physician to take
the most appropriate decision.
If you have doubts, or decide treatment is not for you, it
is your right to express your views. If your doctor disagrees, it will be
indicated in his report, but you should nonetheless receive the supportive
measures, palliative care, pain management or other modalities you might
require. While some physicians still dismiss patients who refuse to endorse a
prescribed treatment, they might soon become dinosaurs.
You might consider seeking a second opinion. Your insurance
can refer you to another specialist. Try and see another physician outside of
your current MD's medical group or practice, as colleagues would almost never
contradict each other. Most policies
cover the cost of a second opinion consultation.
3. Communicate and participate
Once you have made an informed choice, possess all the
necessary information and facts, and understand what constitutes an emergency
and what is to be expected, ongoing communication with your doctor is of utmost
importance.
Indicate any change, sudden onset or new indications or
aggravations. Monitor side effects; report any symptom outside the established
norm. Consult the office about unexpected reactions, or any possible
interaction with newly prescribed drugs. Mention supplements and alternative
medicine remedies you might want to include in your treatment.
Make sure you keep your scheduled appointments, and that
your medication list is up to date.
In conclusion:
In these days of hurried physicians, brief appointment times
and packed schedules, responsibility falls on patients to take a more active
role in their care. Working as a team has been shown to lower the risk of
medical errors, encourage patient participation and involvement, boost
compliance and bring about more successful outcomes. A balanced dialogue can
also reduce costs, lower stress and build trust.
© [2016] Advimedpro.
© [2016] Martine G. Brousse.
All rights reserved.
My
objective is to offer you, the patient, concrete and beneficial
information, useful tips, proven and efficient tools as well as
trustworthy supportive advice as you deal with a system in the midst of sweeping adjustments, widespread misunderstandings and complex requirements.
AdvimedPro (424) 999 4705 or (877) 658 9446 fax (424) 226 1330
