In an ideal world, health professionals would have ample time to sit down and review every child’s health and wellness, at a leisurely pace. Unfortunately, in the real world, appointments with physicians and other health professionals have major time constraints. Making sure that you are heard is very important and this is not as difficult as you may think. Below, are suggestions that will help you to get the most out of your appointments, and to develop mutually respectful relationships with you child’s health and wellness team.
„P When you book an appointment, be clear about what you concern is. If you have more than one issue that you would like addressed, be sure to specify this, to ensure that the appropriate time is scheduled. If new concerns have arisen since you booked the appointment, call ahead to see if the time can be adjusted. Similarly, call ahead, or book a separate appointment if you have another child who needs to be seen.
„P Be prepared. Arrive at the appointment with all of the information that you think will be required. Bring a list of current medications, as well as vitamins and natural remedies, that your child is taking. If you are seeing a specialists, make sure you have all of the related details with you. Write information down if you think you may forget. If you have been using a health journal, such as Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record, take it with you.
„P Prioritize your concerns. Because time is usually limited, it is best to decide ahead of schedule what your most important concerns are. State what these are, at the beginning of you appointment, so that you and your health practitioner can organize your time. It is tempting to leave the concern that is hardest to talk about, to the end. Unfortunately, this is usually the most important one. Start with the toughest issues, and you will feel better once they have been given a voice.
„P Be brief, very specific, and factual in you description of the problem. Busy health professionals must quickly arrive at conclusions, and you want these conclusions to be based on the facts that are most important. Come to the appointment with details, and offer them without being asked. Be sure to include the following information:
When did you first notice this problem? Has it stayed the same, or changed?
Is there pain? Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
What makes it better? Worse?
Has this ever happened before? How was it treated in the past?
Is there a fever? What is it?
Is there swelling? Has this increased, or decreased?
Is there discharge? What does it look like? Smell like?
Have your child’s sleep/eating/behaviour patterns been affected?
How have you been treating it until now? Has that helped?
What medications, vitamins, and natural remedies is your child receiving?
Is there anything else happening with your child?
What do you think the problem is?
If you are concerned about your child’s growth and development be sure to review and complete the developmental milestone charts you are given by your health practitioner. Use these so that you can be an educated observer of your child. Bring these to your appointments for regular reviews.
„P Do some advance research. This will help you to ask relevant questions, and to participate in the discussion. The Internet is a great source of information. The library and various health associations can also be very helpful. Just remember, that not all information from the Internet, or other sources, is credible. Stick with the websites of the various children’s hospitals and treatment centres, teaching centre hospitals, medical associations, pediatric associations, and various health associations. You will need to discuss your findings with your health professionals.
„P Be sure to ask questions during appointments. If you aren’t sure you’ll remember questions when you get there, write them down. It is your job to be as informed as possible about your child’s health and wellness issues. You will feel more confident, and will be a more effective advocate for your child. Some questions to ask include:
What is the diagnosis? Why do you think that?
What are the treatment options?
What would you do if this was your child?
Is there anything we should know about this treatment?
What can we do to make it better?
What should we avoid?
When would you expect to see improvement?
What should we do if we don’t see improvement?
Where can we get reliable information about this illness/condition?
Is there an expert in this condition that you can refer my child to?
What additional resources are available?
Asking these questions will give you a wealth of information. If you don’t know how to spell something, ask for it to be written down. If you don’t understand, then say so. Where there is a report, request a copy. If you are receiving a difficult diagnosis you may be feeling upset, overwhelmed, scared, and confused. This is understandable and to be expected. However, don’t let these emotions stop you from acting and seeking evaluation. Health professionals know that early intervention is essential in your child achieving his or her maximum potential. Seek emotional support from friends, family and even a professional if necessary. However, continue to act on your child’s behalf.
„P Follow exactly the advice and instructions that you are given. Take note of what makes the situation better, what makes it worse, and what has no effect. If this situation does not improve in the way that you and your health practitioner expected, you should call, or make another appointment to review this.
„P If you feel that your concerns have not been adequately addressed, be sure to state this clearly. A review of details may be helpful in clarifying your concerns. If you disagree with your practitioner’s choice of treatment, state this clearly. Then, be sure to listen to the response. Should you continue to be dissatisfies, it is reasonable to seek another opinion. Most health professionals will welcome this. And can be instrumental in facilitating a referral.
Remember, you can be an effective advocate for your child. This does not require you to be aggressive of confrontational. When you have your facts, offer clear details, participate in the treatment decisions and follow instructions, you are on the road to establishing a mutually respectful relationship with your child’s various health and wellness professionals. The end result is definitely worth the effort!
Karen Melnick RN, BSN and parent of three, is the author of an award winning tool called Your Child’s Health & Wellness Record. Karen knows first hand how difficult it can be to remember important health and wellness details. Her goal in creating this beautiful health journal is to provide all parents, regardless of background, the information they need to actively manage their child’s health and wellness. Karen is also available for speaking at parenting and health related events. Find out more at www.healthandwellnessrecord.com
