Health Communication 

A New Year’s Resolution for Better Advocacy and Outcomes

As we step into a new year, it’s an excellent time to focus on improving how we communicate about our health. Health communication plays a crucial role in ensuring the best outcomes for ourselves and our loved ones. Whether it’s advocating for your needs during a doctor’s visit, understanding medical advice, or navigating challenging conversations with family members, effective communication is vital.

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Advocating for Yourself: Ensuring Your Voice Is Heard

Did you know that the average doctor interrupts a patient within 18 seconds of them speaking? This highlights the importance of being prepared for your visit. Here’s how you can advocate for yourself effectively:

1. Prepare an Agenda: Write down three key questions or concerns before your appointment. This simple step can reduce anxiety and ensure your priorities are addressed. For example, list symptoms, concerns about medications, or follow-up questions about tests.
2. ‍Be Assertive, Not Aggressive: Politely but firmly express your concerns. If you feel rushed, ask for clarification or request additional time.
3. Bring Support: It can be invaluable to bring along someone who can play a supportive role. A professional advocate is always useful but if not, bring a trusted family member or friend who can remain calm and objective. This individual can help take notes, ask questions, or provide emotional support as needed. If that’s not possible, consider recording the appointment (with the provider’s permission) to revisit later. It is very common for patients to miss some of the information shared by a provider during an appointment as their minds get occupied with concerns about the impact on their lives, or develop anxiety about the many related issues they are facing. It can also be an overwhelming load of information that requires time to absorb and process

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Listening to Your Provider: Processing and Understanding

It’s a well-known fact that processing medical information takes time. To maximize your understanding:

• Take Notes: Write down critical details during the visit, such as medication instructions or follow-up care.

• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Questions like, “What happens if I don’t pursue this treatment?” or “Are there simpler alternatives?” and “What are the pros and cons of each option? Are there risks or side effects?” are essential. It is also good to ask about cost and how insurance will play a role, for example, “Will this be covered by my insurance?”
  
  If you are facing a significant choice regarding health treatment, it is ideal if you have the opportunity to review your options, including comparing alternatives and understanding the pros and cons of each option, allowing you to evaluate what is best for you in your circumstance. This is called Shared Decision Making. A health care or patient advocate can help you through this by making sure that you have all of the information you need to make the best choice for yourself.‍

• Follow Up: Request a summary of your visit before leaving or through your provider’s patient portal. Note that the value of this can vary a lot, so taking your own notes or having the person who accompanies you take notes is always a good idea. Some providers provide excellent visit summaries, and some only write down your height, weight, and blood pressure along with any changes to your medication and next planned visit.

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Communicating with Loved Ones: Building Bridges, Not Barriers

We all probably know someone who doesn’t want to talk about their health. Whether it’s stubbornness, fear, or a pre-existing mindset, communication with loved ones about health can be challenging. Here are some strategies:

1. Lead with Empathy: Understand their perspective and fears before offering advice.
2. Focus on Facts: Share data or personal experiences that emphasize the importance of addressing health issues.‍
3. Set Boundaries: If resistance persists, focus on what you can control and offer to revisit the topic when they’re ready.

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Communication: A Two-Way Street

Good communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s also about listening. Advocates play a critical role in bridging gaps and ensuring that everyone feels heard. If you don’t have a professional advocate, consider involving someone you trust or using resources like personal health records and telehealth tools.

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Why It Matters: Better Outcomes, Better Lives

Studies show that engaged patients—those who actively participate in their care—are more likely to have better health outcomes. By advocating for yourself, listening attentively, and fostering open dialogue with loved ones, you can set the stage for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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Remember: Health equity and compassionate care start with effective communication. This year, make it your resolution to be an active participant in your health journey.

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Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with better health and communication!

-Lee (she/her/hers)

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SOURCES:

Compassionatenavigation.com

Licensed February 2023: The ABCs of an Effective Doctor Visit- Read-Only Presentation​.

Medicare Advocacy & Health Advocate X: Quality and Safety in Health Care

Commonwealth Fund: Data on health disparities and engagement.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Definition of health equity and its importance.