Powerful Ways to Advocate for Your Own Health
British healthcare has changed. There is a greater emphasis on “shared” decision-making, now, meaning doctors increasingly ask for your input, factor in your preferences, and often ask you to choose when prescribing treatments. You’re expected to take responsibility for your health, if not fully, then at least partially. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for you to have to see several specialists who don’t know you or your family’s health history all too well. Essentially, you have no choice now but to advocate for your own health – you have to take an active role in managing your health to receive the care you need and deserve. Below, It’s About How You Live offers advice on how to do so below.
Be proactive about your health
Being a self-advocate for your health also involves looking after your physical, mental, and other needs. Eating good food, exercising, stress-busting, and generally following healthy habits is always a good idea. Even small changes can make a big difference in the long run!
Maintain your own records
Maintaining your medical records can be incredibly advantageous, whether you’re in private or public healthcare. You have an easier time understanding your treatment plan, can discuss the finer points of your health with doctors, can furnish information quickly in emergencies, get travel documentation ready, coordinate with multiple healthcare providers, keep track of medications, and more.
Submit forms your healthcare providers suggest in a timely manner
You typically have to fill out all kinds of forms as a matter of course when seeking healthcare. It’s a good idea to do this quickly and accurately. This will speed up all processes relying on said forms. You’ll get in for appointments quicker, have updated copies of your records, and be able to forward records to specialists, among other things. If you need to make changes to your records, you can use this free tool in order to convert to a PDF file to suit your needs. Simply upload your PDF, convert the file, start working in Word, and then save it as PDF after you’re done.
Have questions for your doctor ready
Taking charge of your health involves understanding that doctors are only human. They may miss things, misunderstand your intent, or simply explain things poorly. By asking them appropriate questions, you gain extra clarity on your available options, better communicate your intent, and generally understand your treatments better. Time has created a list of questions doctors themselves prefer you’d ask them.
Evaluate the quality of care you receive
You should evaluate the quality of care you receive. If you feel your needs aren’t being addressed, you may need to be more assertive. If you feel that your doctor has missed something, you could ask for a second opinion. If you don’t receive appointments or responses in a timely manner, and it keeps happening, you may be better served to seek a private healthcare provider.
Take someone you trust with you
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member with you. Three heads are sometimes better than two, especially if your trusted person is also a self-advocate for their health. They may be able to help you ask the right questions, take notes, remind you of things you may have missed, and offer emotional support. The National Library of Medicine has documented the positive effects of having someone with you at your appointments.
Being an advocate for your own health is assuming responsibility for your well-being. Suitable self-advocacy will help you make informed decisions about your health and, in the long run, remain healthier as well as receive better quality care.
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This is a contributed post by Justin Bennett, you can reach him at justinbennett@healthyfit.info
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