The Importance Of Advocating For Yourself When Speaking With Doctors
One important aspect is often overlooked, the power of self-advocacy. Advocating for yourself means speaking up for yourself, taking an active role in your healthcare decisions, expressing your needs, and ensuring that your voice is heard during medical consultations. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of advocating for yourself with regards to your health.
“Self-advocacy in healthcare is a set of behaviors to help you get your needs met. This can mean speaking up about your symptoms, voicing your concerns and asking questions. It might include asking for alternatives to a treatment or procedure, asking for a more detailed explanation about your treatment plan or having your doctor summarize what was covered so you better understand.” (https://www.teladoc.com/health-talk/self-advocacy-for-healthcare/)
No one knows your body and health better than yourself. When advocating for your needs, desires and preferences, you develop personalized care that goes with your circumstances and medical needs. This empowers you to make informed decisions and ensures that your personalized preferences follows your treatment plan specific to your requirements.
You have to be open and honest with your Dr. This helps develop a successful doctor-patient relationship. When you advocate for yourself, you create a line of open communication with your doctor. When expressing your concerns, asking questions, and sharing information will help your Dr give you a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
“People who self-advocate make proactive, personally meaningful decisions, effectively communicate with their doctors and gain strength through connection to others.1 This is important. Being a self-advocate doesn’t mean going to your doctor and saying, “This is what’s wrong with me. I need X prescription.” It’s about knowing and listening to your body, symptoms and family and medical history—and clearly communicating all of it. That way you and your doctor can work together to come up with the best treatment plan.
Remember, you and your doctor are a team. You both have the same goal: helping you feel better.” (https://www.teladoc.com/health-talk/self-advocacy-for-healthcare/)
Actively participating in discussions with your doctor, you help to avoid potential mistakes. You have to be open and honest when sharing your symptoms and medical history with your doctors. These details assist your doctor in making a more accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan catered only to you.
Tips for Self-Advocacy When Speaking with Doctors:
Make sure you are prepared.
Before your appointment, write down any symptoms, questions, or concerns you have. This is done so you will not forget anything when you speak to the dr.
If you are able gather and organize your medical history, including previous diagnoses, treatments, and medications. Being prepared helps you to remember crucial information that your doctors will need. By doing this you don't forget important information during the appointment and it enables a more focused discussion.
Be clear and assertive when addressing the doctor.
Make sure to express yourself clearly and assertively. Don’t be shy. You have to be honest about your symptoms, pain levels, fear and limitations.
If you don't understand something, ask the doctor for clarification.
Don't hesitate to share your preferences in regards to your treatment options or ask for a second opinion if necessary. It is important to remember that if you want a second opinion don’t be shy to speak to your doctor about this.
Always remember your doctor is an expert in medicine, this is their job, but you are an expert on your own body and values.
Don’t be afraid to engage in shared decision-making with your healthcare provider.
Discuss your concerns about the treatment options, and together, you can develop a plan that best suits with your goals and lifestyle.
Try to develop a relationship with your doctor based on mutual respect and trust. Be open to their advice while ensuring that your concerns and opinions are also considered. This helps to encourage open communication and builds a sense of partnership.
After your appointment, follow up on what your dr has recommended, labs, scans, treatments, or referrals. Keep track of all of your medical records, test results, and treatment plans. Having good and organized records allows you to stay informed and actively participate in your ongoing care.
Practicing self-advocacy is a powerful tool to have. This results in better health outcomes. When you advocate for yourself you actively participate in your healthcare decisions. You help to establish personalized care, and contribute to open and honest communication. Your active involvement can make an enormous difference in the quality of care you receive. Take charge of your health and well-being by becoming your own advocate. I hope these tips will help you on your journey to self advocacy.