We all work very hard to help all our patients. With Healthcare Service pressures all over, some tips below can really help the clinician help you and result in an effective and satisfactory consultation for both parties.
- Please try to keep to 1-2 problems only. We appreciate patients make ‘build up’ problems and not visit the doctor often but it can result in not being able to address all these issues. Remember each consultation is 10 minutes which goes by very quickly. Clinicians are highly skilled in assessing, examining, arranging necessary tests and offering treatment and referrals within this time so multiple problems can be challenging.
- Please make a separate appointment for each family member –
Advise us if you have a number of things to discuss and list them at the beginning with the most important thing to you first. However embarrassing it is – our clinicians will do their best to ensure you are comfortable at ease and deal with your medical issue appropriately and safely. - If you don’t understand – don’t be afraid to ask again – medical jargon can be confusing – our clinicians will do our best to simply things for you.
- What is your desired outcome – it can be helpful to share your agenda at the beginning, advising the clinician of your expectations and what you hope to get out of the consultation.
- Write things down/Bring any paperwork – if you are new to the practice or have seen another professional outside of the practice, it is always helpful to bring any paperwork, letters, reports with you to share with your doctor.
- Ask a friend or family member to come with you – you are in charge so you can bring anyone who you feel may be able to support you during your appointment.