Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

Patients are wary of questioning healthcare providers. How can you empower them to speak up for their health?

It's common for patients to feel intimidated by the healthcare environment, often leading to hesitancy in asking questions or expressing concerns. Healthcare providers are viewed as authority figures, and the fear of being perceived as difficult can silence questions that might be crucial to understanding one’s health condition. Encouraging patients to view the healthcare provider-patient relationship as a partnership is key. By promoting open communication, you can help patients understand that their voice is not only welcome but essential for effective care.

1 Build Trust

Building trust with healthcare providers is fundamental in empowering patients to speak up. Trust is cultivated when patients feel their concerns are validated and their well-being is prioritized. Encourage patients to share their thoughts and questions by reminding them that healthcare providers are there to support their health journey. A comfortable dialogue can lead to better personalized care and a stronger therapeutic relationship, which is the cornerstone of patient advocacy.

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Hamze Salhab

MSF International Mobile Staff | Registered Nurse | Emergency Specialist | Patient Safety Specialist
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Establish a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental atmosphere in your healthcare setting Actively listen to patients' concerns and demonstrate genuine interest in their well-being Encourage open communication and assure patients that their questions and opinions are valued

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2 Prepare Questions

Preparation can significantly boost a patient's confidence in speaking up. Suggest writing down questions and concerns before appointments as a way to ensure that nothing is forgotten during the conversation. This list serves as a reminder of the topics that need discussion and can help patients feel more in control of their healthcare experience. It also signals to healthcare providers that the patient is engaged and proactive about their health.

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Deborah Vick

Inspiring Change: CEO & Founder of VICKtorious | Inspirational Speaker, Author, & Mindfulness Educator | Rare Disease Advocate creating transformational experiences through the power of Perseverance, Positivity & Play
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As a patient with complex medical conditions, I developed a digital planner that allows me to track a variety of issues from pain & triggers to my mindfulness practices. This helps me to create a digital one-page document listing my top concerns, symptoms, possible treatments, and notes, including images or videos of challenges faced between appointments. I often print a pdf version for my medical team. This clear, concise format helps me communicate effectively with healthcare providers during brief visits. Learning from my own experience, I now teach others to use this method, empowering them to navigate their medical challenges and ensuring their concerns are addressed efficiently.

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3 Know Rights

Understanding patient rights is crucial for self-advocacy. Inform patients about their rights to access medical records, receive clear explanations about diagnoses and treatments, and be informed about the risks and benefits of procedures. When patients are aware of these rights, they are more likely to ask questions and make informed decisions. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to health, knowing one's rights can be the most empowering tool.

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4 Seek Support

Sometimes, having a support system can make all the difference in patient advocacy. Encourage patients to bring a family member or friend to appointments who can help ask questions and remember information. Additionally, let them know about patient advocates, professionals who can assist in navigating the healthcare system and ensuring that their concerns are addressed. Support can provide the strength needed to voice concerns and seek clarifications.

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Caryl Harris
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Encouraging patients to bring an impartial advocate with them to appointments can make a huge difference in outcomes. Patients can rely on the advocate to ask questions and/or clarifications that the patient might not ask.

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5 Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is essential for patients to get the most out of their healthcare. Encourage patients to be clear and direct with their questions and concerns. Remind them that healthcare providers are accustomed to explaining complex information in understandable terms. If something is not clear, it's always acceptable to ask for a simpler explanation or further clarification. Clear communication leads to better understanding and ultimately better health outcomes.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Hamze Salhab

MSF International Mobile Staff | Registered Nurse | Emergency Specialist | Patient Safety Specialist
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Regularly assess and address any barriers or challenges that may prevent patients from speaking up, such as language differences, cultural beliefs, or health literacy levels Collaborate with other healthcare providers and staff to create a patient-centered culture that values open communication and shared decision-making Continuously seek feedback from patients on their experiences and perceptions of the healthcare setting to identify areas for improvement

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Patients are wary of questioning healthcare providers. How can you empower them to speak up for their health?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Build Trust

2 Prepare Questions

3 Know Rights

4 Seek Support

5 Communicate Clearly

6 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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Patients are wary of questioning healthcare providers. How can you empower them to speak up for their health?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Build Trust

2 Prepare Questions

3 Know Rights

4 Seek Support

5 Communicate Clearly

6 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

Rate this article

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