Your Physician
The absolute best way you can prepare for a visit with your doctor is to understand he or she is bound by time and is often running from one patient to the next. This is nothing to do with you rather the reality.
Here are a few suggestions:
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Be on time for your visit
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Write out your list of questions- if you are using a health care app print off your progress chart, for your visit
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What you want to communicate, write down and always have your journal with you
You should expect:​
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A safe judgement free space to discuss your health
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An accurate diagnosis
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Suggested treatment planning
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Education - could refer out to specialist
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Monitoring and follow up
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Referrals
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Patient Advocacy
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Record Keeping
The better you prepare for this visit with notes from a previous visit - the more impactful your time spent together will be.​
Yourself
With your tools in hand and a positive mindset, set yourself realistic goals!
YOU ARE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE
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Keep a Journal with your history and current visit info
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Mentally prepare for your visits a day before
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DO not rush yourself, arrange transportation if you need to.
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Have notes for each member of your healthcare team
EXAMPLE - my care team:
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3 Orthopedic surgeons
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2 Physiotherapists
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Family doctor
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Nutritionist
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Family and friends (you know a friend is a friend when they come to wash your hair when you are not able to yourself:-)
The journal becomes very important when dealing with multiple people- also once you write it down you do not have to remember it. All your upcoming appt information and medication information should be in one place.
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Primary Care Collaborative Team Networks
The Canadian and Provincial governments have invested significant funding into community health services. Depending on which province you reside in or country this will vary.
For example in Nova Scotia, Canada there are many different types of family practices. Some family doctors work together in teams with other health professionals, some work in groups with other doctors, and some work individually. Nova Scotia Health, through an investment from government, has been supporting family doctors, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals to work together as a collaborative family practice team.
Every Nova Scotian should have reliable primary health care for their family.
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Specific chronic disease specialist
Disease specialists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses. They consult and share information to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care. Collaboration allows for a multidisciplinary approach, combining different areas of expertise to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.
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From first hand experience I cannot communicate the importance enough to keep your notes- there will be times you may receive information that could be confusing. Always be curious to ask the questions in your care.
Supporting Allied Health Professionals
Allied health professionals work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. They communicate patient information, collaborate on treatment plans, and participate in multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
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Your doctor will provide guidance on allied health.
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Examples would be:
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Dietitian
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Nutritionist
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Physiotherapist
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Exercise Physiologist
Your Family
Dealing with a chronic disease can be challenging not only for the affected individual but also for their family members. Family support plays a crucial role in helping the person cope with their condition and maintain a good quality of life.
Family members can provide support:
Education and Understanding:
Learn about the chronic disease together as a family. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, treatments, and management strategies can help family members provide appropriate support and be better prepared to assist with the challenges that may arise.