What are some strategies for veteran patients to communicate effectively with their healthcare providers?

The best advocate for a patient, in my view, is the patient. With this in mind, I encourage patients to learn an such as they possibly can regarding their condition(s) including treatment options. Armed with this information, you are able to have a conversation with your doctor with an aim to customize your care and align it to your goals.

Veteran patient may feel obsessed to the usual private physician and therefore during introduction or the first encounter there should me an option of data exchange or transfer permit signed by the data owner. A universal guidelines about dealing with patient information transfer from one doctor/ to another doctor other than referral.

Prepare a list of questions and concerns beforehand. Share their complete health and service history. Be open about symptoms and challenges. Request clarification on medical advice or instructions. Utilize veteran resources for additional support. Advocate for themselves or seek a patient advocate if needed.

From service user perspective, being honest and respectful in interactions with healthcare providers is crucial for effective communication and care. Sharing feelings, opinions, and experiences openly and clearly helps in crafting a care plan that truly aligns with my needs and preferences. It's important to remember that asking questions, seeking clarifications, and expressing doubts or concerns are not only acceptable but encouraged. Healthcare providers are partners in care, aiming to support, not judge or dismiss.

I encourage patients to seek clarification & confirmation whenever they encounter challenges. It’s important they understand the information provided to prevent misunderstandings & medical errors. I tell them to ask their provider to explain, simplify, or repeat anything they don't understand, request the use of plain language, or give examples, and confirm their understanding by summarizing or repeating what was said. I’ll teach them to say "Could you please explain that again using simpler terms? I want to make sure I understand everything clearly." Or, "Can you give me an example to help me grasp this concept better?" Or "I don’t understand the word you just said. Can you spell it for me and tell me what it means?" Asking questions help.

Having additional support and input can greatly benefit your overall healthcare experience and outcomes. Bringing a family member, friend, or Patient Advocate to your appointments can provide valuable support, advocacy, and assistance in remembering or following up on information discussed during the visit. Additionally, it's helpful to record the conversation and listen back to it again when you get home to further absorb the information. Having an extra set of eyes and ears on hand are always valuable, ensuring that all important details are captured and understood. This collaborative approach not only enhances your understanding and decision-making but also facilitates better coordination of care among different providers and settings.