A recent survey of physicians found some information that might be of interest to their patients as it relates to trust. Almost one-third of doctors do not entirely agree with the notion that they should reveal medical errors to their patients. The survey also found that almost 20 percent of doctors said they did not fully disclose an error to a patient within the last year because they feared a malpractice case. And 55 percent of doctors admitted they often or sometimes cast their patient’s prognosis in a more favorable light than the facts supported.
Given these surprising facts, let’s take a look at a four ways you can get more trustworthy health care.
1. Be Honest Yourself
Open communication is a two-way street. Engaging in open and honest communication with your doctor helps promote your health because the more knowledge you have about your condition, the more motivated you will be in making lifestyle changes and taking the recommended medications you may be prescribed. Tell your doctor any relevant information regarding your health.
2. Know What You Want
Do not just assume that your doctor understands what you want. Some patients prefer not to know everything, while others want some input into their treatment options. Be up front with your doctor about any role you expect to play in decisions about your health care.
3. Educate Yourself
Reviewing information on your treatment options prior to your appointment is helpful for building trust. This ensures you have more knowledge about your condition and what can work best for you. Writing down questions for your doctor in advance will also ensure that you do not forget what you want to say.
4. Speak Your Mind
Many patients find it hard to speak up when things do not seem right. This is largely due to the respect, even awe, that most of feel towards doctors who seem to have the power of life and death in their hands. If you are not clear on something, ask your doctor directly. Doctors and patients are human. You may have misunderstood something or your doctor misspoke.
The important thing to remember is that you are not a bystander; you are an active participant in your own health care. Obviously you would want to avoid having a legal battle to deal with on top of poor healthcare, but if you feel you may need to resort to that to get the care you need, you should consult with a qualified attorney such as medical lawyers Brunt & Hood. The treatment choices you decide upon will affect you more than anyone. Find a doctor you can trust, and make sure your input is welcome.
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