Talking to members of your healthcare team
Time
with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals can feel
limited. Sometimes, even if something is being explained clearly, it
may be hard for you to take in what is said. But if you don’t
understand or if you have questions, it is important that you ask.
If
you have any questions you would like answered before your next
hospital appointment, your GP, hospital doctor, specialist nurse or
cancer information centre staff may be able to help. You can contact
them by phone or letter.
The following are tips to help you get more out of your time with your GP or hospital staff:
Before your appointment
- Check the time, date and place of the appointment and the names of the doctors you are due to see.
- Plan your questions before your appointment. It can help to write them down. Many patients have said it’s not always easy to remember questions once you are in the consultation. You could write to your doctor before to let them know your questions and concerns.
- Ask a relative or friend to come along to help you remember what to ask and what is said.
- Take a notepad with you to take notes.
- Some
hospitals encourage patients to tape record consultations with their
doctor to help them remember what is said. If you would like to do
this, check with your doctor or nurse before your appointment.
At the appointment
Healthcare
staff should introduce themselves. It can be helpful to make a note of
their names, titles and contact details in case you have questions
later.
- Tell the doctor how much you want to know about your cancer and how much you want to be involved in your treatment and care.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor to repeat things or explain them more simply.
- You can ask the doctor or nurse to draw a diagram or write a brief note of what has been said.
- If you are not sure about anything ask more questions.
Confidentiality
By law everyone working in the NHS must keep you records confidential. Information will not usually be given to your family or carers without your agreement.
Page last edited: 25 November 2011
