Questions your doctor wishes you would ask

Whether you feel intimidated by the idea of quizzing your GP or forget what you wanted to say because appointments are so short, there is vital information you should never leave the surgery without, says Natasha Holt

DOCTORS are busier than ever and as a patient you can sometimes feel under pressure not to waste their time.

That means we often leave the surgery or end an online consultation and only later realise we didn’t ask a crucial question.

Additionally, we don’t always take in and remember the things we are told, with one research study showing that when patients were asked what they were told six days after their appointment, on average they could only manage to recall three facts.

“Excellent consultation skills are one of the most important tools of any doctor’s working life,” said Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk).

“To meet a patient’s needs involves understanding their ideas, concerns and expectations.

“That means giving them the time to ask questions, checking their understanding and ensuring they leave with key take-home messages. As doctors we’d always rather you asked anything you are worried about and as a patient it’s best to go in armed with the right questions to ask.”

So what are the right questions?

Ask your doctor to recommend good quality websites you can trust

What can I do to help my condition?

When a patient is fully engaged with their own healthcare, the outcome is much better. “You need to be empowered to make informed decisions to allow you to make better lifestyle choices,” said Dr Lee.

“It’s important you leave the consultation understanding what you can do to help yourself. Your doctor cannot manage your life for you. This is down to the decisions you make for yourself every day.”

If you’re worried you’ll forget key information, take a friend along. Alternatively, never be embarrassed to write notes as you talk to your GP if Covid rules don’t allow this.

What are these tests for?

As a patient, you must give your consent before any tests or procedures can be carried out.

“You should understand exactly what you are being tested for, especially if there would be a potentially severe outcome if the test was positive,” said Dr Lee.

“Your GP should also explain the instructions for tests, for example, if you should fast beforehand or if you need to arrange transport and support at home after a procedure.”

Are there any alternatives to this treatment?

“Choice is important because all treatments have an outcome and we never know that outcome until after the event,” said Dr Lee. “A doctor can’t force a patient down a specific pathway if they prefer an alternative.

“Remember you’re also entitled to refuse treatment altogether. So make sure you understand what’s available to you.”

Should I get a second opinion?

“This is a perfectly reasonable request, especially if you have a serious diagnosis and are trying to decide on treatment,” said Dr Lee. “However, sometimes wanting a second opinion may reflect a lack of understanding about your condition, confusion about the proposed treatment, or a lack of confidence in your doctor. If you’re having doubts you can ask your doctor to refer you for a second opinion or arrange to see another doctor at your practice.”

What should I do if it starts to get worse?

“Good examples are asthma or diabetes,” said Dr Lee. “These can quickly spiral out of control and even be fatal. By understanding how to monitor your disease, the trigger factors and warning signs and when to call for help, tragedies can be avoided. You can also correctly adapt the use of

your medication.”

How/when do I get my results?

“You should be told exactly when to expect your test results and how they will be given,” said Dr Lee. “Some patients assume ‘no news is good news’ but results can go astray so if you haven’t received them as promised you’ll know when to chase them up.”

Are there any sideeffects to this medication?

Your doctor should tell you about the common side-effects. “You should know the symptoms and signs of an acute allergic reaction, for example, which is a medical emergency,” said Dr Lee. “Any unusual or severe side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately.”

Where can I find out more about my condition?

Information found online can be misleading. “Ask your doctor to recommend good-quality websites,” said Dr Lee. “One good source is NHS Choices (www.nhs. uk) which is evidence-based and non-promotional.”