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🍁 Tips Talking to Your PCP VHL Canada
The following interesting article was forwarded to me by a VHL Canada Peer Community member (patient). Do you use a similar approach with your family doctor or nurse practitioner, etc. ? How would you adapt these tips with your VHL specialists? Please share any feedback! Thanks, Henry
Don’t Be Shy … “Today, it’s normal for primary care providers to be pressed to see as many patients as possible in a day … Patients have their own busy schedules, too, and they want to get in and out of the office quickly …” The article gives 4 key elements to maximize your visit*:
1) Set an Agenda
“it’s important to prioritize your concerns by setting an agenda … Your outline doesn’t need to be complex; it can simply be that you have medical problems, fears or worries that you want to discuss …”
2) Be Honest
“be honest about worries and concerns … providing detailed information helps a doctor get the full picture of your overall well-being and assess lifestyle factors that might contribute to your health …”
3) Ask Questions
“Medical visits can be overwhelming and sometimes even the most well-meaning doctor can present too much information too quickly and in complex terms. It’s OK to ask questions … you should feel comfortable asking as many of them as you need to understand your doctor’s advice …"
4) Work Collaboratively
“It’s a win for you and a win for your doctor, so don’t be afraid to ask him or her to help you understand your options … Most of all, try to control your anxiety by expecting a good outcome before the appointment starts …”
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*Full article here: Don’t Be Shy: 4 Tips for Talking to Your Doctor (Johns Hopkins Medicine) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/dont-be-shy-4-tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor
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