Advocating for oneself and asserting oneself in the medical care setting can be essential to receiving the quality care and attention that you deserve. It is unfortunate that some physicians or healthcare providers may dismiss your concerns, but it is important to remember that you have the right to be heard and to participate in your own healthcare decisions. This article explores various strategies you can employ to effectively advocate for yourself without being unprofessional or inappropriate.
1. Prepare and educate yourself: Prior to any medical appointment or interaction, it is beneficial to arm yourself with knowledge. Conduct research on your symptoms, conditions, or any concerns you have. This will enable you to better understand your situation and communicate it adequately to your healthcare provider. Remember, knowledge is power, and being well-informed will make you feel more confident in advocating for yourself.
2. Establish open and respectful communication: Effective communication is crucial in any healthcare setting. When discussing your concerns, be clear, concise, and specific. Focus on describing your symptoms or issues using objective language. Avoid exaggerations or self-diagnoses, as this may impact your credibility. Maintaining a respectful and polite tone is key to encouraging a positive dialogue with your healthcare provider.
3. Be assertive, but not aggressive: Advocating for yourself requires assertiveness, but it is important to strike a balance and avoid becoming aggressive or confrontational. Be confident in expressing your concerns and expectations, but also be receptive to your healthcare provider’s expertise and advice. Remember, collaboration is key to achieving the best possible outcomes.
4. Make a list of questions and concerns: Before your appointment, write down all the questions and concerns you want to discuss with your healthcare provider. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all the important points during your appointment. Additionally, it demonstrates to the healthcare provider that you are proactive in your healthcare and value their expertise.
5. Request clarification: If a healthcare provider dismisses your concerns or uses medical jargon that you don’t understand, politely ask for clarification. Don’t hesitate to ask for further explanations regarding your condition, diagnosis, or treatment options. It is your right to fully understand your health situation and the available options.
6. Bring a support person: If you feel overwhelmed or anxious during medical appointments, consider bringing a trusted family member or friend with you. Having a support person by your side can offer emotional support, provide an additional perspective, and help ensure that all concerns are addressed.
7. Request a second opinion: If you consistently feel dismissed or unheard by a specific healthcare provider, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Obtaining the perspective of another healthcare professional can provide you with alternative treatment options or confirm the advice provided by your primary healthcare provider. It is important to feel comfortable and confident in the care you are receiving.
8. Utilize patient advocacy services: Many healthcare facilities offer patient advocacy services or departments. These services are designed to support patients in navigating the healthcare system, understanding their rights, and resolving any concerns or disputes. If you find yourself at odds with your healthcare provider, consider reaching out to a patient advocate for guidance and assistance.
9. Keep a record and follow-up: Maintaining a record of your medical history, treatments, and appointments can be invaluable when advocating for yourself. This record can be a reference point for discussing your concerns or providing context to your healthcare provider. Additionally, make sure to follow up on any tests, referrals, or treatment recommendations that were discussed during your appointment. This demonstrates your commitment to your own health and keeps the lines of communication open with your healthcare team.
It is crucial to emphasize that advocating for yourself and asserting your concerns does not mean disrespecting or undermining the expertise of healthcare professionals. The healthcare system is built on a partnership between patients and providers. By actively participating in your care, you contribute to a collaborative relationship aimed at achieving the best possible health outcomes.
Being dismissive towards a trained medical professional is not the goal when advocating for oneself. Instead, the purpose is to ensure that your concerns are acknowledged, thoroughly evaluated, and taken into consideration when determining the appropriate healthcare plan. It is important to approach these situations with respect, collaboration, and an open mind. Remember, healthcare providers are human too and can sometimes make mistakes or overlook certain aspects. Engaging in open and respectful communication can help bridge any gaps and lead to improved care.
In conclusion, advocating for oneself and asserting one’s concerns in the medical care setting is an essential skill to possess. By preparing yourself with knowledge, establishing open communication, being assertive yet respectful, and utilizing various strategies, you can effectively communicate your concerns and needs to healthcare professionals. Remember that effective self-advocacy is a partnership between patient and provider, focusing on promoting understanding, collaboration, and ultimately, improved healthcare outcomes.
A good sign of a quality medical professional is one who works with the patient and not against or without the patient.
if your doctor isn’t working with you advocating for yourself in that situation may not be your best option. It may actually be to get a new doctor.
I will try answering this as someone who has worked in healthcare for a long time and who now also has some chronic issues.
Be prepared. Bring notes, take notes, bring a list of questions.
Try to see your situation from a small distance, which can help describe symptoms and timing and associated events clearly. It’s not wrong to share the impact an illness or injury is having on you, but it isn’t helpful when everything is awful, the worst ever, etc.
If a provider recommends something you have tried before that didn’t work, it’s absolutely fine to say, “Yes, I tried that last month when I had this issue and did not see an improvement. what else can you recommend?”
Think of the interactions you have with medical personnel as part of a contract. They do their part and you do yours. Part of their job is to figure things out; part of your job is to give them facts as clearly as possible, and to be honest about what you are experiencing.
When you encounter barriers, like not being able to afford a treatment or test, say so and ask for assistance. They may not be able to get you a cheaper scan, but there may be other things they can try that would give them a new direction. Remember that medicine has been practiced long before we had many of the rapid diagnostic tests that are available now. Sometimes a good physical exam and thorough history have a much higher yield than an MRI.
And lastly, don’t be afraid to change providers if something feels off – while also remembering that if everyone you meet is off, it’s probably you.
good luck!
Bring an advocate, be it a family member or friend who has seen your issue and can vouch for its realness/severity.
I wouldn’t have had them give me an ultrasound for my pain if not for my mom saying it needed to happen or we weren’t leaving. I couldn’t stand up it was so bad. But it wasn’t my appendix and periods just suck so I was being hysterical.
Having her also was needed because I wasn’t able to convey the level of pain, I am pretty tolerant to it and don’t like to complain/I also was seeing new doctors I didn’t know personally and getting a lot of info at once. So while I was anxious about possible surgery she kept notes and also was there to be a voice of reason.
I’ve done this for friends in the past and they said the Dr listened to them so much more with me sitting in taking notes and countering their moments they brushed off a friend. I would say what my mom did ‘so if this were your sister or child, how would you react? Would you tell them to go home and ignore it? Or are there tests you would do?’ That bringing their feelings for their loved ones in can make a huge difference.
Because you’re not “doing research”, you’re just reading about stuff. Just say, I read about X online and some of my symptoms seem to match, what do you think?
Don’t get pushy or assertive. Just ask them to document what you asked for and the medical reasons they declined it in your chart.
Being asked to go on the record will magically open a lot of doors for you.
There is a saying in chronic illness groups that you need to “bring your penis” to appointments. There needs to be a (cis) man in the room who is supporting and advocating for the patient. Yes, this is extremely sexist, but it is absolutely true. You are operating in an old-fashioned, sexist environment, and they set the terms. The way I get treated with and without my husband at appointments is night and day. Sometimes my husband can barely believe the things they say to me. They would never talk to him that way. When that happens, we decide together not to go back to that doctor.
First off remember that you are paying them for their time. They are there to help you. If they aren’t willing to do that then you may need a new doctor. Be assertive. Tell them straight out “I don’t believe you are taking my concerns seriously. Is there a reason you’re being dismissive?” Then be silent and let them answer. If they still aren’t listening say “Do you have a recommendation for a second opinion of should I find my own?” If they are still dismissive (and only a truly terrible doctor will be) ask them for the form to get your medical records and leave. You wouldn’t put up with shoddy services from a plumber, why would you put up with it from a person who is supposed to help you in even more important ways?
I have chronic issues but yet everything seems to work without me having to assert myself…. Sure there are shitty docs which I have encountered but for the most part it’s pretty good
And usually when I go to ED, I always get a sign off or whatever by the senior medical officer or doc before I get discharged
Try this phrase: “what is your differential diagnosis?” In other words, what else could these symptoms be and how have you ruled that out? Then, make them write it down in your chart.
Find a new doctor
What’s worked for me is simply standing up for myself and insist on what I am and am not comfortable with. This has improved the care I get by quite a bit.
I’m the mom of a kid with lots of medical stuff, and I work in a medical setting. A couple of thoughts:
1. Select providers carefully. Especially if you have something rare, you want humble and curious docs. They have to be open to your knowing more than they do about something. You can decline to see docs again if they’re not this way, and you can decline procedures and recs if they won’t change the course of treatment.
2. Medical training is very nearly abusive. They HAVE to know, & sound confident about it. So if you start some of your sentences with “as you know” and then gently tell them what you need them to know, it goes softer.
3. This one I have heard but not done: ask them to document that you asked for XYZ and they declined to recommend that. You just want it to be in writing. This would be your last resort, of course.
4. Sometimes you have to be a squeaky wheel, but you want to be their favorite squeaky wheel. This applies in a lot of similar situations.
“Ok, I’ve listened to you. Now you can listen to me…”
I respect what you’re saying, but I know my body and this doesn’t feel right. Is there a different way that I could describe what I’m feeling that would be of more help to you? Perhaps some missing details that wouldn’t occur to me to include? What can we eliminate and what should we pursue further knowing what we know? Do you have a colleague who is specialized in this particular area who could help identify the issue or eliminate the worst?
Stop. And go to another physician there are many that will just get what ever you want.
If you have a choice. If not .
Medical error accounts for over 250,000 deaths annually in the US. As someone who deals with doctors professionally, they are some of the dumbest people I’ve ever met. They are great at memorizing but terrible at thinking, usually presume the patient is wrong if it doesn’t match their interpretation of symptoms, and tend to think only about the most likely scenarios rather than individualized cases.
Ask them what factors led to their diagnosis and why they aren’t diagnosing you with whatever you think it is. If you still disagree and they refuse to look into the possibility, your best option is probably to find a different doctor. Even when presented with the best evidence and contradicting opinions, doctors tend to stick to their first diagnosis. This is sometimes due to pride, stupidity, fear of a medical malpractice charge, etc., but regardless your best bet is to just find a different doctor.