Learn How the Simple Habit of Note-Taking Can Transform Your Healthcare Experience

Dear Readers,

Have you ever left a medical appointment feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps? A simple solution can help: bringing a notebook to your appointments. Not only does this practice help you keep track of important information, but it also empowers you to take control of your healthcare journey.

I want to share a story of a young patient, Mary, who completed the Patient Better program last summer. It was her first year away from her mother, and she had to take care of her condition on her own for the first time. She started bringing a notebook to her appointments, jotting down her symptoms, questions, and the doctor's advice. This simple habit helped her maintain her diagnosis and follow the treatment plan more thoroughly with the new PCP she found at college.

As a result, she was able to care for herself and felt more confident and informed throughout her healthcare journey. This was especially important during her first year at out-of-state college, as she wanted to maintain her primary care provider's direction and secure her health while being away from home. Now, back with her family for the summer, she feels prepared and empowered to continue managing her health independently.

Here are some tips for using your notebook effectively:

• Write down any symptoms or concerns before your appointment (Learn what is a chief complaint).
• List questions you want to ask your doctor (Learn how to ask questions).
• Note down the doctor's advice and any instructions given that are not on the standard treatment plan but are more tailored to you (Learn how to write notes).

Let's make this a standard practice! Have you tried this? Share your experiences with us.

Warm regards, Jennifer