You know yourself and your health best. Prepare before your appointment so you can communicate clearly with your provider.
When it’s time to speak with your health care provider, do your thoughts feel scattered? It happens to many of us. Preparing before your health care appointment is vital to feeling organized and ready. You can prepare by:
- Writing down your symptoms, questions, and concerns.
- Making notes and planning the conversation ahead of time can help you make the most of your visit. Tip: If you have multiple concerns, call ahead to inform the clinic you may need some extra time or ask if you need additional appointments.
- Listing all your medications and dosage.
- Take along a current list of your prescription and non-prescription medications, including things such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Your health care provider needs to be as informed as possible, which includes knowing everything you’re taking. Having a list ready makes it easy for you to share.
Don’t let missing information impact your care. You might feel like you don’t want to bother your health care provider with a little concern you’ve noticed following your treatment or after starting a new medication, but details can matter. Inform your health care team of all changes, big or small.
Be honest and as straightforward as you can. Although you might feel hesitant about mentioning some things, such as smoking, cannabis use or alcohol consumption, it is important to be honest with your provider to receive the best possible care.
Learn more with these resources:
Alberta’s Health Charter says:
- When I interact with the health system, I expect that I will:
- be able to participate fully in my health and health care
You are a partner in your health care. Talk with your provider to gather information before making decisions.
Medical terms can be technical and hard to understand. Ask for explanations and examples to ensure you are clear about your options. And if you don’t understand what your provider is telling you, let them know.
- Use lots of open-ended and “if/then” questions. These are questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” These types of questions will prompt your provider to answer with more detailed information.
| Instead of asking like this: | Try asking like this: |
| Are you going to refer me for a blood test? | Open ended question: What tests are required to diagnose the symptoms I have? |
| Will I experience side effects from this medication? | If/then question: If I take this medication and experience a side effect, then what do I do? |
- Learn about your treatment options. Make sure you clearly understand the advantages and disadvantages of available treatments. You want to understand the full impact of any suggested treatment along with possible side-effects.
- Note any instructions and key information you’re given before you leave. It can be hard to remember all the information you receive at a visit, and useful to have it written down in case you need it later.
Learn more with these resources:
Alberta’s Health Charter says:
- When I interact with the health system I expect that I will:
- be informed in ways that I understand so that I may make informed decisions about my health, health care and treatment
Ask someone you trust to go with you to your appointment, such as a family member or friend. They can help you ask questions, write down instructions, and remember explanations.
- You may also identify someone as your Designated Support Person / Essential Care Partner—they will play a more active role on your health care team.
The health system is complex and can be difficult to navigate. The representatives at the Office of the Alberta Health Advocates are available to:
- assist you to find your way in the health system and plan a path to your health goal
- listen to your concerns and support you in finding ways to resolve them
- review complaints under the Alberta Health Act
- provide education about the Alberta Health Charter and how it sets out expectations for interactions among patients, health providers and health service organizations
You can reach the Alberta Health Advocates at 780-422-1812 or info@albertahealthadvocates.ca.
Learn more with these resources:
- Alberta Health Charter: Read Alberta’s Health Charter to understand your role in the health system, and how it guides the health advocates.
- Alberta Health Advocate: Learn about the role of the Health Advocate, what the office can do, and who the Advocate is.
Alberta’s Health Charter says:
- When I interact with the health system, I expect that I will:
- be supported through my care journey and helped to find and access the health services and care that I require