Advances in diagnosis and treatment, along with changes in the health care delivery system, are changing the way patients and health care professionals interact one-on-one.
“In health care today, there’s an expectation that patients will be involved in making decisions about their own health care,” says Patti Emfinger, an assistant professor in the College of Health Professions at South University’s Savannah, Ga., campus. “With so many options available now, we appreciate that our patients want to know the reasons behind what we’re recommending and prescribing.”
For Emfinger, the best outcomes are achieved when patients and health care professionals work together. So what should patients do?
“First of all, you absolutely have to tell the doctor or physician assistant all your concerns. Even if you feel embarrassed to talk about certain parts of your body, go ahead and talk. After all, we’ve seen and heard it all — and we are people, too.”
She also says that we have to ask questions in order to make informed decisions. “If you’re diagnosed with a disease or condition, avoid your own unguided Internet search for answers. Instead, ask your physician or physician assistant for a reliable website or for literature or a journal where you can find reliable information. Ask about organizations that offer local support groups and other resources for people suffering from the same or similar diseases.”
What if you have doubts about the diagnosis or treatment? Emfinger advises asking for evidence-based data that support the effectiveness of the recommended treatment. “You want to know that a particular drug, or surgical procedure, or therapy actually helps patients get better,” she says. And second opinions, even changing doctors, are also OK. “If you feel that your doctor isn’t up to date on medical practices, switch to someone else.” — ara content