Reducing doctor-patient miscommunication is a hot topic in healthcare. Identified in doctor-patient communication research are the issues of patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and gender bias. Described are challenges and tips to reduce the stress in doctor-patient communication.
Poor Cardiac Outcomes
Gender differences may affect both health outcomes and doctor-patient miscommunication. For example, cardiac research findings suggest women are more likely to die after an acute heart attack. The authors concluded that a factor in the high mortality rates, maybe gender. The potential difference in outcome was highlighted, with male physiology being the gold standard. Gender differences explore the problems with the exclusive use of male bodies in research. This standard practice assumes no clinical disease difference between male and female physiology and symptoms.
Diversity Challenges
Poor health outcomes for women of color are universal. Serena Williams, the world-renowned tennis player, knew she was at risk for a blood clot after her C-section. Her story of begging her health provider post-pregnancy for a diagnostic CT scan went viral. Being the world’s highest-paid female tennis player allowed her to demand treatment for her life-threatening condition. Unfortunately, few women have such a high profile to request and obtain necessary treatment. Below are three doctor-patient miscommunication solutions to improve your satisfaction in the doctor’s office.
Be prepared
Our health delivery system is in transition. The decreases in your medical insurance payment for a provider appointment have created productivity-based business models. Our Physician income is often based solely on the daily number of patients encountered. The amount of patient time for an appointment included the never-ending insurance demands for medical record documentation.
However, it’s essential to understand that your office visit is typically only 15 minutes of face-to-face time with your doctor. Therefore, you cannot extend this time by 20 minutes of questions.
This practice will cause mutual frustration and opportunities for doctor-patient miscommunication. Instead, select a few questions at the appointment and then ask your provider for other resources. For example, they may suggest a knowledgeable support staffer who can answer your question or offer an earlier return appointment.
1. Tip – Be Prepared
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- Before your scheduled appointment, write out all of your questions.
- Create a health journal to write your questions and observations between scheduled office visits.
- Remember to prioritize your issues for the meeting.
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Health Time
People with a lot of stress are well known to seek treatment late, often only in a crisis. When stressed, your brain has trouble focusing and is more forgetful. In addition, being overwhelmed is often associated with the feeling of a lack of energy. When one is fatigued, it makes completing any tasks difficult, like making telephone calls for referrals.
2. Tip – Health Time
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- When you do not feel well, it’s time to seek help.
- Now is the perfect time to call a friend that knows about healthcare. If they are not fully available, don’t fret!
- A fast-growing group of private patient advocates can do that job for you. These for-hire professionals charge a fee for their expertise, which may be worth it.
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Self-care
People have all kinds of physical symptoms, screaming for their attention. Busy individuals are very selective in their call for action. For example, the sudden appearance of weird-looking stools can be easily explained away by a new diet. A change in exercise can justify numbness in the legs or breaking in new shoes. This constant “explaining away” rather than seeing a health provider creates problems. The body neglect provides the opportunity for medical issues to worsen.
3. Tip – Self-care
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- Make Time for yourself a priority!
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It’s easy to make an excuse for unexplained pain or body ache. It is reasonable to say, “it will go away.” But remember, not feeling well can reduce your patience when talking to people. You may have to make an extra effort to improve your doctor-patient communication.
Doctor- Patient Miscommunication
Value your doctor-patient communication experience. This encounter is a critical factor in your overall health. Avoid delays in medical assessment and intervention due to poor doctor-patient miscommunication. Seek another referral if you can’t get the message across. If you feel like you are too overwhelmed to see a doctor, tell yourself, “I am worth it.” Consider the cost to your health for self-neglect. Remember, it takes time to find and develop a relationship with anyone. Make time to establish a connection to reduce opportunities for any doctor-patient miscommunication. Time for your health is worth it. Always remember attaining good health is a priceless gift.
Reference
https://www.pnas.org/content/115/34/8569