Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Survive. Connect. Rebuild.

A Program of the ATS

Patient, Family, and Provider Communication

Today, patients and their family members are taking an active role in their health care. You and your team of health care professionals will work together to achieve your best possible level of health. An important part of this relationship is good communication. Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good communication.

If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand. Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of the discussion. Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to you. Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition. If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers, ask where you can go for more information. Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and therapists, can be excellent sources of information. Talk to them, too.

References:
http://sccmcms.sccm.org/sccm
http://www.icu-usa.com/tour/questions.asp
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/specific/fs_doctor.html


Associated pages

Questions for the Patient to ask Himself or Herself
Questions for Family and Friends to ask themselves
Questions for the Nurse
Questions for the Doctor