Communication as a Tool For Good Health

• How patients must communicate with their doctors.




As a communications student who has come to understand the power of communication as a tool for solving most of societys problems, I have decided to do some research into how effective communication can help solve our health needs. Most medical practitioners profess that a carefully taken history of a patient alone could lead to a correct diagnosis. About 80 percent of the time. However, getting an accurate history is usually easier said than done. With some patients, telling the doctor exactly what the problem is becomes an issue of reluctance. And of course, many doctors, whether because of temperament or time constraints, don't pursue the patients account as aggressively or even listen as attentively as they should.

Here are a few things you should tell you doctor during an office visit and how you should tell it:
Tell why you are there. If you have more than one reason for the visit, make a list in advance so you don't end up forgetting an important question. Try to be specific when describing each problem. Saying something hurts foe example is not enough. You need to describe when the pain began, exactly what it feels like, whether it comes and goes and what makes it better or worse.

Tell it as it is. Don't trivialize your complaints or your doctor may do the same. Don't attribute problems to normal aging especially problems involving depression, dizziness, forgetfulness or sexual dysfunction, there may be an underlining, treatment disorder-at any age.

Always try to present your problems in a focused manner, without flitting from one symptom of complaint to the other. Doctors are good at butting in quickly-on average, within 20 seconds after you start talking, according to one study. Avoid rumbling which invites interruption. However if your doctor interrupts anyway, don't forget to pick up the thread where you left off, check your list to make sure you fully cover one problem before going to the next. Also make room to tell your doctor about the drugs you take (both prescription and over-the-counter drugs). Bring all the medications you may no longer need or that might interact with other drugs. Make sure your doctor knows about any recent drugs reactions you may have had, including allergies or side effects.
According to doctors, your risk for many serious diseases including cancer, coronary heart diseases and diabetes are greatly influenced by your family medical history. Be sure to keep your doctor informed about any recent illness or deaths in your family.

Finally when all is told, know that of course good communication with your doctor involves a two way communication. So ask lots of questions and be a good listener. Take notes or bring a tape recorder or a second set off ears. Then, to make sure you heard correctly and increase the chance that you will remember, repeat what your doctor just told you just like you do when a class ends in school