miscommunication
about healthcare is epidemic. Nine out of 10 people don’t fully
understand or remember what to do after a doctor visit. More than 40
percent of people don’t fully understand or remember how to take
medication or care for themselves after they leave the hospital.
The
consequences can be devastating. Thousands of Americans are injured or
die each year because written or verbal communication about
healthcare isn't clear or because
they don’t understand the information or its importance.
: Getting clarity
“Clear
communication is one of the most powerful tools you can use to stay
healthy,” says Julie N. Baker, of Cleveland Clinic’s Office of Patient
Experience. In fact, how well you and your providers communicate about
your care — called “health literacy” — is the greatest predictor of how
well your care will go.
Health literacy is called the silent crisis because healthcare providers can’t always tell whether or not patients understand.
Lost in translation
Health
literacy has nothing to do with your level of education, income, job or
race. Medical terminology is a foreign language to most of us, but even
those in the medical field may not process what they hear during a
health crisis.
Anyone
can become confused about what to do after discharge or an appointment —
especially when we’re expected to manage increasingly complex care at
home.
Stress
hinders our ability to listen, to process what we hear and to recall
it. “Stress can reduce our thinking ability by about three to four grade
levels,” says Ms. Baker.
Pain, surgery and the side effects of certain medications can further confuse communication.
Listen to your gut
The solutions are basic: Trust your instincts, and take an active role in your care.
“Don’t
be embarrassed to ask questions if you feel confused or to voice
concerns if something just doesn’t feel right,” says Ms. Baker. Remember
that nine out of 10 people have been in your shoes.
Here are 6 tips for ensuring safer care for you and your loved ones:
Speak
up — and be heard. If you have new information, even a minor change in
symptoms, tell your doctor. “Doctors aren’t mind-readers. They need your
input,” says Ms. Baker. Don’t say you understand if you don’t; you may
be taken at your word. If your doctor seems busy, say: “I want to
understand, but I feel rushed.” Most doctors will stop and take time to
explain things. If not, ask to speak to the physician assistant or
nurse.
Don’t
trust your memory; write it down. Before a doctor’s appointment, write
down your questions and concerns, leaving space for the answers. At the
office, write down your doctor’s answers; ask your provider to draw a
diagram if that will help.
Bring
a second set of ears. Ask a trusted relative or friend to go with you
to an appointment to make sure you remember and understand everything.
This is critical when you are being discharged from the hospital, when
an appointment is especially important and when you are under stress.
Follow
directions. Many people don’t understand how important it is to take
medication exactly as prescribed and to follow all directions for care.
If you have questions or if something you’re supposed to do doesn’t seem
right, call your doctor’s office or pharmacy. “Don’t guess — you’re
playing with your life,” says Ms. Baker.
Master your medications.
Get smart — Know which medications you need and why. Bringing your medications to doctor’s appointments is often helpful.
Look
at labels — Make sure it’s your name on prescriptions, and that drug
names and dosages are correct, before you leave the pharmacy. Human and
computer errors do happen; some medications sound or look alike.
Take
it well — Know how to take your medicine. For example, a plastic
dropper (syringe) is safer than a teaspoon for precisely measuring
liquid medicine.
Make a list — Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all your prescription and over-the-counter medicine and supplements.
Never double up — Never finish old medication if your new medication replaces it.
Don’t
let cost stop you — If you can’t afford medication, tell your provider.
You may be able to get a full or partial discount. “Your doctor
prescribed it because you need it,” says Ms. Baker.
Don’t
rush transitions. You may be eager to leave the hospital, but vital
information can get lost in the shuffle. “Discharge is a dangerous
time,” says Ms. Baker. So is being moved to another unit within the
hospital.
In
either case, ask for a copy of your discharge summary. If you’re going
to a new unit, double-check that they have the correct treatment plan
and medication list. If you meet resistance, politely explain, “I want
to be able to understand my care.” Take any problems to the Nurse
Manager — your feedback will be confidential.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق