How to talk to your Health Care Professional

Eileen O’Donovan &

Susan O’Carroll

Workshop Today will be :

• A Personal Space with a group agreement

And group Introduction • A Short Presentation • Some Group Discussions • Personal awareness • Role Play • A Short Video Clip• Tips on ‘How to Talk to your HCP’

Discussions on :

• Who are your Health Care Professionals ( HCP) ? • what would you like to share in your

experiences of ‘Talking to your HCP’ (negative & Positive)

• What do you want from this workshop ?• Defining ‘ your Goals ‘ when you are

talking to your HCP

Living with advanced cancer typically means a lot of doctor appointments and on going treatment

You need a health care team you can trust

Doctor /nurse/team

Communicating your needs

Patient

Key members of your Health Care Team

• Medical Oncologist• Radiation Oncologist • Oncology Nurse e.g. Day ward • Breast Care Nurse• Oncology Liasion Nurse• Social Worker• GP • Community Public Health Nurse

Communication

Open Communication is the key to getting your needs met with ease and is essential to good care and long term planning

“With communication comes understanding and clarity; with understanding, fear diminishes; in the absence of fear, hope emerges; and in the presence of hope, anything is possible.”

Ellen Stovall, 3-time cancer survivor Cancer Community Support

www.cancersupportcommunity.org

Communication could be a problem if:• After many visits you have questions

that went unanswered or were answered poorly

• You never feel you have enough time to say what is on your mind

• Members of your health care team seem rushed, distracted or uninterested

“ Don’t be afraid to ask a question —there are no stupid questions and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. Don’t let some doctor talk you out of it. If you feel more comfortable, get that second opinion and feel comfortable in the treatment you are receiving rather than just accepting it. Be a part of your treatment process.It’s empowering to be proactive’

Penny - Cancer support community

www.cancersupportcommunity.org

“ It’s really important to understand the disease and to educate yourself. It’s a matter of what this disease is, how it impacts you, and being able to communicate with your health care provider.”

Elaine L. Cancer Support Community

www.cancersupportcommunity.org

“I hate to take the doctor’s time to answer my questions.”

“I’m so puzzled I don’t know what to ask.”

“So many medical terms were used so quickly that I just went away confused.”

Talking about ‘your experiences’ Postives Negatives Discussion

‘Choosing to be Patient Active is not a single monumental decision, but a series of small,incremental choices that help you regain a sense of control over your treatment and your life in general’

Personal Awareness & Assertiveness

ROLE PLAY

‘How to talk to your HCP‘ Reflection and comments

‘Your Goals ‘

Identify ‘your Goals’ Disease control Quality of Life Prolonging Life Cure

Treatment Decisions

Treatment decisions can change and you must go with those changes…..

One needs to have a balance Response to treatment vs Quality of Life

Tips on Communicating Effectively with your

HCP Improving communication Before A Visit•Bring questions with you•Keep notes of issues experienced between visits and bring notes to remind you•If you still feel questions and concerns are not addressed – consider changing doctors!

Improving communication During the visit •Write down the answers to your questions in the doctor’s office •Write down new information from the doctor•Read your notes back to the doctor•Ask the doctor to explain anything that is unclear•If there are changes to your treatment plan , take the time at this visit/clinic time to fully understand this and request a follow up call or visit with your Nurse

Communication Tips

• Keep a running list of questions to bring to your appointments

• Ask your doctor what the best way is to get your questions answered, i.e should you bring your questions to the appointment , would it be easier to get answers by email ? Should you schedule a separate appointment

• It might be helpful to choose one person to communicate your needs

• Know that you deserve to get your questions answered. So don’t be shy ,ask again and again until you are satisfied

• Bring someone along to the appointments• Take notes , even a mini recorder !

Always Always tell your Doctor or nurse if and when you are experiencing side effects or symptoms that are making you uncomfortable or interfering with your activities of daily living

Short and medium effects of treatments must be Communicated to your HCP

They can be managed !

Memory & concentration

Fatigue &

Sleep disturbances

Wording questions: Do not ask leading questions .A leading question is worded in such a way that signals the answer you’re hoping for ! ‘ I am going to be alright, aren’t I ‘ reword to What do you think is my prognosis ?

‘Don’t be afraid to speak your mind or get on your doctors’ nerves. Tell them everything you’re feeling. Because they can’t help you if they don’t know what’s wrong. That’s what they are there for’

Laura

Cancer Support community www.cancersupportcommunity.org

Questions ????

Thank you for listening and participating

Eileen & SusanCancer Information Services Nurses

Irish Cancer Society National Helpline 1800 200 700

Recommended websites:

Cancer Support Community USwww.cancersupportcommunity.orgLiving Beyond Breast Cancerwww.lbbc.org/ National Coalition for Cancer

Survivorshipwww.canceradvocacy.org