Dealing with your health and well-being can be challenging. Being able to understand how to look after yourself as well as advocate for your best interests is a skill that most people have to learn. There are several things that you can begin to do that will put you in a good position when dealing with medical issues.
Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Understand your health rights
One of the fundamentals of healthcare is that everyone has the right to quality healthcare. Under UK law, patients have the legal right to be treated fairly, to refuse treatment, to see their medical records and to have information about their treatment. As these are the fundamental tenets of the healthcare system, they are useful to know.
If you feel your rights have been violated by a healthcare setting or professional, you may be able to seek legal advice. Medical negligence solicitors are experts in this field and will be able to assess your case and guide you through the process.
Communicate effectively with professionals
Doctors and nurses are the lifeblood of the healthcare system and who you will interact with most. Being able to communicate with them effectively helps build a strong relationship surrounding your care.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification about a prescription, medical term, or even the purpose of any biomedical equipment used in your treatment. Sometimes, doctors forget that patients aren’t medical professionals and will be more than happy to make sure you are comfortable with the care plan.
Keep accurate records
Although you can ask to access your medical records at any time, you might want to think about keeping your own log to complement it. Things such as phone call appointments and face-to-face appointments contain a lot of information.
Ask if you can make notes or record the appointments so that you can refer back to them. Also, make a note of the date and time of any appointments so you can keep timelines clear in your head.
Know when to seek a second opinion
Seeking a second opinion is a route that many patients go down for a plethora of reasons. The General Medical Council states that doctors should respect a patient’s need for a second opinion where possible. Although this isn’t a legal right, it is a choice you have. If you go to a completely different care provider you will be treated as a new patient so treatments and tests could take longer.
Before going down this path, ask your doctor team to go over your diagnosis and plan one more time. It may be that there was a miscommunication somewhere and you end up feeling happier about it all.
Utilise resources and support
It is not only your doctors that can support you through medical issues. There are several support groups both online and in person for hundreds of different medical conditions. Finding support from people who understand what you are going through can be invaluable.
This is a collaborative post
