here have been numerous studies in the past few years focused on physician-patient interactions. Physicians continue to be under increasing pressure to move through their patient load as expeditiously as possible. This is true with our primary care doctor as well as with the specialists we frequently need to see. As a result of this time crunch, we often leave our physician appointments with the sense that many of our concerns were not addressed because the doctor did not have sufficient time for us.
What can we do, as the patient, to facilitate a more effective interaction with our various physicians?
The answer to this question may vary and depend upon a number of variables, including: the type of physician with whom we have an appointment; our familiarity with the doctor’s patterns; and our comfort level with the physician-patient interaction.
1. Prepare for our visit ahead of time.
When we think about our healthcare interactions, we often assume that we don’t have to prepare for our doctor visits. However, we need to recognize the limitations on our doctors time. We have so much trust in our highly skilled physicians that we think they’ll figure it out. Curus’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Kelman, tells us that frequently the best diagnostic tool at his disposal is a complete history and physical, with the patient’s full cooperation. We often prepare more for a visit to the service department of our car dealer then we do for the visit with our physician.
2. Make a prioritized list of our concerns.
We sometimes put our physicians on such a high pedestal that we fear the warmth of an interaction with the doctor, such as engaging the doctor and quickly acknowledging the time constraints and pressure that the doctor may be under. In many of the studies about physician-patient interaction, researchers have found that physicians would reach conclusions at the earliest part of the exam and begin to evaluate treatment based on the set of suppositions they had upon entering the exam room. In preparation for our appointment, we should think about those concerns we have which are of the highest priority, raise those concerns first, and defer those concerns that are least bothersome to the end of the visit, even if it might mean they will not be addressed. If we prioritize our concerns, with the most important information first, we give the physician data points that will enhance the diagnostic process.
3. Bring someone along.
While privacy is a concern, we also must be aware of our own limitations in understanding or remembering all of details after we leave the office. Accountability is necessary for follow-through, particularly as we age and become senior citizens or have too much on our plate. Bringing a close relative or friend with us to a medical exam is advantageous as it allows us to have someone else help us to remember, understand and implement our physician’s suggestions.
Like most things in life, the more prepared we are, the more likely the outcome will be to our satisfaction.
