Tips to help you communicate with your doctor

People often worry that going back with questions or asking the same question again will be annoying. It shouldn’t be. Doctors and health care professionals are there to listen to your concens and deal with t

Tips that may help you communicate in a consultation include:

• Write a list of questions or bullet points you want to cover

Here you will find examples of lists of questions to prepare your appointments :

• Bring a friend or other relative who knows what you want to cover and can prompt you about this as you take in the information you are given
• Bring someone who can take a small child outside to play or sit with a young person who doesn’t want to hear all that is said
• Give the doctor your list of questions in advance
• Ask for copies of all letters to be sent to you

There are some things you should expect as well:

• The chance to speak without being interrupted
• A copy of the consultation letter
• A professional interpreter should be available if needed
• If time runs out before covering everything or if something needed is missing, then you should be offered another appointment when this can be addressed

You and your child should have a key worker (usually a nurse, support worker or social worker) who is there to support you through treatment and beyond. It is often very helpful to talk to them as well afterwards as they can help clarify what was discussed.

Author : Dr Martin English, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and CCLG member

La Fondation La Roche-Posay and CCI make every effort to ensure that information provided is accurate and up-to-date at time of printing. We do not accept responsibility for information provided by third parties, including those referred to or signposted to in this publication. Information in this publication should be used to supplement appropriate professional or other advice specific to your circumstances.