Getting the most from your appointment!

I was browsing the internet this week (like you do ...!) and came across this guide to getting the most out of your appointment with your doctor or nurse. Click here for the link. The guide is not rocket science, it just details the three steps that we train doctors and nurses to follow when seeing patients.

Step 1 - saying what you want to get out of today.

You know why you have come today but have you thought about what you expect or want to happen? For example do you want a diagnosis, reassurance that it is not something serious (if so what are you worried about most), to see a specialist. It is really useful to let your doctor know.

Step 2 - saying what you think is going on.

If you have any thoughts about what is causing the problem, do say so. It really helps the conversation with your doctor if you share these ideas.

Step 3 - agree a plan of action and what to do if things don't go as expected.

Before you leave are clear about what happens next? Do you know what to do if for example your symptoms get worse, you have problems with your medication or there are delays in your hospital referral?

Our appointments are only ten minutes long so if you come prepared, using above guide, you can make sure that you get the most of the ten minutes - easy!

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