The Patient's Code

• Prepare for the consultation. Write down all your symptoms and anything else worrying you – and take the list with you. It is very easy to forget important things during the consultation.
  
  
• Be honest. Don’t leave things to chance in the hope they will suddenly disappear. Many people leave the doctor’s without telling them about any worrying lumps and bumps they may have. Delay can be dangerous.
  
  
• Be polite. Most doctors are not supermen and superwomen, but ordinary people trying to do a good job. Just like everyone else, they feel more inclined to make an effort for people who show appreciation. If you feel irritable or inclined to fly off the handle because you’re worried or afraid, say so. It may help to break the ice.
  
  
• Respect your doctor. No one likes to be told how to do their job. An increasing number of patients are demanding treatments from doctors on the basis of information from the internet or the mass media. By all means discuss any information you have gathered. But ask your doctor which treatment he or she would want in your circumstances.
  
  
• Listen carefully. Most patients forget about half of what they have been told within a short time of leaving the doctor. Take written notes of the important points, or even better – if your doctor doesn’t mind – tape record the consultation.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Doctors and patients are not good at communicating with another, according to research. Doctors sometimes use technical terms patients don’t understand and patients fail to say so – so doctors go on making the same mistakes. You may help your doctor improve his or her communication skills by asking questions if you don’t understand them.
  
  
• Ask about groups that know about your condition. Ask your doctor or nurse for details of a relevant support group or voluntary health organisation which can help you get more information and help.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion. You are within your rights to do so; there is no need to feel defensive about asking for one. But be polite about it.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to complain. Again, this is your right. Again, be polite. Most complaints against doctors are about rudeness and poor communication and are usually related to work pressure.

How do you get on with your doctor?

You are more likely to receive a good service if you can talk freely and openly during the consultation.
But being ill or worried may prevent people from discussing the most important things:

The Patient’s Code may help to overcome such problems and help you and your doctor establish a good relationship or partnership

The Patient’s Code is the author’s view and is intended as a guide to the doctor-patient relationship.