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INTRODUCTION

Sometimes, there can be problems of misunderstanding when a doctor talks to a patient. ��Some reasons explaining this can be that the doctor is speaking to fast, or using too much medical terminology, complex words, etc.

The aim of this presentation is to give you useful tips to help you better understand what the doctor can tell you.

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Understanding and interpreting information given by a doctor is something very important. Diagnosis and medical advice must be understood before leaving the doctor’s office.

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Ensuring your comfort with your doctor is essential. If you ever feel uneasy, don't hesitate to consider changing specialists.

Keep in mind that it is totally appropriate to ask the doctor for more explanation.

You should not feel bad because of a need of clarification.

BACKGROUND

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7,5%

Percentage of medication-error rate in primary care*

*https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/tackling-medication-errors-european-medicines-agency-workshop-calls-coordinated-eu-approach#:~:text=In%20Europe%2C%20the%20medication%2Derror,between%201.6%20and%202.1%25%20respectively.

Those errors can result from a lack of communication between patient and doctor

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Why improving health literacy ?

Many patients are having struggle to understand informations from doctors.

It is important to work towards improving health literacy to reduce confusion.

Faking understanding what we hear from the doctor can be very dangerous.

Here are some tips that can help you to interpret information from a doctor :

Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand and use information to inform themselves on health-related decisions and actions.

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SMALL TIPS

Ask Questions

Ask for written materials

Summarize

Repeat

Ask for plain language

Take notes

Directly to the doctor or to another staff member

Using your own words can be beneficial

Pictures speak louder than words

It leads to active listening

Everyday words are easier to understand

Help to have an approval feedback

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01- ASK QUESTIONS

While having an appointment at the doctor office a lot of information can be provided to you.

Sometimes those information can be a bit technical. If you find yourself struggling to comprehend your doctor's explanations, there's another helpful resource available within the same office: the nurses or physician assistants. They may have more time available to address your questions and concerns, and they often use simpler language that is easier to grasp.

You can ask questions again to the pharmacists while picking up your medications.

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What disease do I have and how does it affect me ?

How will this disease impact my daily life and activities?

Can this disease be reversed or managed? How long will it last?

Can you explain how to take the prescribed medications? How many times a day should I take them, and at what times?

Do I need to see a specialist or make any lifestyle changes because of this disease?

Type of important questions :

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02- TAKE NOTES

Taking notes can help you remember and understand the information from the doctor.

Translating the doctor's words into visual images helps you recall and retain the information better.

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03- ASK FOR WRITTEN MATERIALS

Pictures are often easier to comprehend than lengthy explanations.

You can find a variety of helpful medical brochures at medical centers, doctor's offices, and hospitals.

Diagrams can present information in an engaging and accessible manner.

Pictures can assist you in identifying your specific needs and understanding the affected areas of your body.

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04- ASK FOR PLAIN LANGUAGE

That’s okay if you don’t understand everything, ask the doctor to use plain language.

Doctors are used to advanced terms and scientific words, nevertheless for an inexperienced person those information can be difficult to process.

Everyday language can be easier to understand.

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05- SUMMARIZE

Before concluding your appointment, it is helpful to summarize the key points you heard from the doctor.

Take a moment to recap the prescribed medications, any specific advice given, and important dates for upcoming appointments.

This summary acts as a double-check, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the next steps in your treatment plan.

By summarizing the information, you can address any uncertainties and leave the appointment with a solid grasp of what was discussed, enabling you to follow through with the doctor's recommendations effectively.

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06- REPEAT

To ensure your understanding, it's beneficial to repeat the information given by the doctor.

By repeating what the doctor shared, you can confirm your comprehension and identify any areas that may still be unclear.

The doctor is there to help, and they will gladly provide further explanations and clarifications for anything you didn't fully grasp during the appointment. Don't hesitate to seek their support in ensuring you have a complete understanding of your medical situation.

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