How can you assertively communicate with healthcare providers?

1 Understand your rights and responsibilities

As a patient advocate, you have the right to ask questions, request information, seek clarification, express opinions, and make decisions on behalf of yourself or your loved one. You also have the responsibility to respect the rights and responsibilities of healthcare providers, who have the duty to provide safe, effective, and ethical care. You can communicate assertively by knowing and stating your rights and responsibilities clearly and politely, and by acknowledging the perspectives and expertise of healthcare providers.

2 Prepare and plan ahead

Before you communicate with healthcare providers, it is helpful to prepare and plan ahead. You can do this by identifying your goals, concerns, and expectations, and by gathering relevant information and documents. You can also rehearse what you want to say and how you want to say it, using a calm and confident tone of voice, body language, and eye contact. You can also anticipate possible questions, objections, or challenges, and prepare your responses accordingly.

3 Use assertive statements and questions

When you communicate with healthcare providers, you can use assertive statements and questions to convey your message effectively and respectfully. Assertive statements are clear, concise, and factual expressions of your needs, preferences, and concerns, without being aggressive or passive. For example, you can say "I need to understand the risks and benefits of this treatment option" or "I prefer to have a second opinion before making a decision". Assertive questions are open-ended, respectful, and constructive inquiries that seek information, clarification, or feedback. For example, you can ask "Can you please explain how this procedure works?" or "How do you feel about this alternative approach?"

4 Listen actively and empathetically

Assertive communication is not only about speaking, but also about listening. Listening actively and empathetically means paying attention to what the other person is saying, showing interest and understanding, and reflecting back what you heard. Listening can help you build rapport and trust with healthcare providers, as well as clarify any misunderstandings or gaps in communication. You can listen actively and empathetically by using verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding, smiling, paraphrasing, summarizing, and asking follow-up questions.

5 Negotiate and compromise

Sometimes, you may encounter situations where you and the healthcare provider have different opinions, preferences, or expectations. In such cases, you may need to negotiate and compromise to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Negotiating and compromising means finding common ground, respecting differences, and exploring options and alternatives. You can negotiate and compromise by using assertive statements and questions, listening actively and empathetically, and expressing your willingness to cooperate and collaborate.

6 Seek support and feedback

Assertive communication can be challenging and stressful, especially if you face resistance, conflict, or criticism. Therefore, it is important to seek support and feedback from others who can help you improve your skills and cope with your emotions. You can seek support and feedback from other patient advocates, friends, family members, counselors, or mentors. You can also join online or offline groups, forums, or communities where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and receive encouragement and advice.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?