6h • Advocacy
SELF ADVOCACY WITH YOUR PCP
Does your appointment go the way YOU want it to?
Are all of your questions answered when you leave?
Did you understand everything that was discussed?
Advocating for yourself in any situation means SPEAKING UP! This is not always an easy thing to do when sitting across from your PCP. You have a right to take an active, informed role in your healthcare plan and decisions. Since COVID, in Ontario, more health care visits take place online, and sometimes your conversation with your PCP is conducted over the telephone. This is not all bad, but it does make advocating for yourself harder.
1. BE PREPARED
If you have an acute illness (e.g., flu, cold, new onset pain), make a note of all of your SYMPTOMS. You can do this the old-fashioned way and carry a list with you into the appointment, or use the notes app on your phone. If you bring out your list immediately, your PCP will see that you have come prepared.
Whether your appointment is about a new situation or a chronic one, the next thing to list is QUESTIONS. Often we think of questions before our appointment, but how often do we remember them all? A prepared list, opened or brought out right away, lets your PCP know you have specific things you want to discuss.
2. ADDRESS THE DYNAMIC (The 'Superhuman' Bias)
As patients, we often carry an "Authority Bias." We trust medically trained persons automatically because of their credentials. Sometimes, we believe doctors and other providers are infallible and do not make mistakes. In extreme situations, patients deify their PCP, making them into a "larger than life" superhuman. All three of these possibilities affect the dynamic during your visit.
3. THE "ADVOCACY" PLAYBOOK (PRACTICAL PHRASES):
- SPEAK 1ST!
"Hi, I am here today to see you about my ____. Before I leave, I want to make sure that we have covered my questions and concerns."
- ASK FOR CLARIFICATION:
"Can you explain that again, please?"
- ADMIT WHEN YOU NEED MORE TIME: Your PCP likely does not even know that you have left feeling unprepared or insecure about the plan.
"I really need you to take your time explaining this, please."
- REPEAT YOUR CARE PLAN BACK: This ensures you have it right and gives the clinician the chance to add or change before you leave.
"So, my understanding is that the next steps are..."
- USE THE "TWO SETS OF EARS" RULE: When we are seeing specialists about something serious, and you are nervous about diagnosis possibilities or outcomes, TAKE ANOTHER PERSON WITH YOU.
4. MOST IMPORTANTLY: KNOW YOUR GOALS
We, as individuals, might need something different from our provider than others with the same health issue. Knowing before you go in what information YOU want from the visit ensures individuality.
It is not wrong to say things like:
"I think other people maybe concerned about ____, but I am more focused on ____."
How Can I Help More?
Reach out if I can help you more. Quick questions and topic ideas are always welcome. If you are wanting very specific help with a diagnosis or advocacy, please become a Tier 2 Member and reach out.
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SELF ADVOCACY WITH YOUR PCP
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