CANCER TREATMENT: TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH A DOCTOR

Discuss with the doctor any previous advice you may have been given from another doctor, or other sources of information. This will help the doctor understand your existing level of knowledge and if the information is correct.

List any complaints you may have about your treatment and openly discuss these. Sometimes the care and treatment we get is not sufficient or respectful of our needs. Most doctors and hospitals are keen to make sure problems do not occur.

Advise your doctor which one of your family members or friends may occasionally contact him/her, if you are unable to speak for yourself. Consider whether the doctor needs your permission to speak with a family member if they call; and what are your wishes regarding the general enquirers who may ring about your condition. As patients, we need to respect the doctor’s right to a private life, and only make contact if there is an urgent need.

Be open and honest about your lifestyle, partnership, relationship and communication needs and preferences. The quicker the cancer management team can understand your preferences, the more satisfying your time will be. Honesty about your sexuality is critical in making sure your partner, regardless of gender, has open visiting rights to you. It is imperative that your doctor knows what complementary therapies you may be taking, especially if you are about to start a course of chemotherapy.

See the doctor and health management teams as caring, supportive partners; no matter how challenging the treatment. They are there for you and want you to get better.

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CANCER TREATMENT: TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH A DOCTOR Discuss with the doctor any previous advice you may have been given from another doctor, or other sources of information. This will help the doctor understand your existing level of knowledge and if the information is correct.List any complaints you may have about your treatment and openly discuss these. Sometimes the care and treatment we get is not sufficient or respectful of our needs. Most doctors and hospitals are keen to make sure problems do not occur.Advise your doctor which one of your family members or friends may occasionally contact him/her, if you are unable to speak for yourself. Consider whether the doctor needs your permission to speak with a family member if they call; and what are your wishes regarding the general enquirers who may ring about your condition. As patients, we need to respect the doctor’s right to a private life, and only make contact if there is an urgent need.Be open and honest about your lifestyle, partnership, relationship and communication needs and preferences. The quicker the cancer management team can understand your preferences, the more satisfying your time will be. Honesty about your sexuality is critical in making sure your partner, regardless of gender, has open visiting rights to you. It is imperative that your doctor knows what complementary therapies you may be taking, especially if you are about to start a course of chemotherapy.See the doctor and health management teams as caring, supportive partners; no matter how challenging the treatment. They are there for you and want you to get better.*32/144/5*