I also have chronic illness and I worked in healthcare for many years. When I advocate for both myself or my mom, I never hesitate to escalate a situation to hospital or clinic management. Whether it is that you have been treated with disrespect or that you feel your symptoms are being dismissed in any way, shape or form, I encourage anyone to immediately escalate concerns to upper level management. These become training opportunities for the staff to be made aware of how to professionally and appropriately address and meet patients needs.
There are lots of doctors out there; there is no need to feel handcuffed to one provider. Especially if you are not getting the care you need and deserve.
Such good advice — and I hadn’t considered instances being used as training opportunities, which makes a lot of sense. I appreciate people like you who get it (and thank you for understanding both the admin and patient perspective).
Amen to the DON'T tips!! A sneer, wisecrack, or talking over you is abusive. The whole point of health is that when the patient feels supported and cared about/ respected, the body begins to heal itself before we even get the prescription filled!
If you wouldn't take it from a spouse or friend; don't take it from a doctor.
Such great lists, Kat. I'd add to remember the normal human-to-human gestures: a smile (initially, for manners, no need to keep it on if it doesn't fit), eye contact, calling people -- especially support staff -- by name (asking, if I can't see the name tag!). Those are actions I don't think twice about in situations where I feel on an "equal footing" with professionals I'm dealing with; behaving that way in a medical office helps me remember that I'm an equal here too, simply consulting with experts for the benefit of their expertise. When I act that way, I feel (more) that way. And especially the eye contact seems to be a surprise -- a pleasant one -- for professionals; they feel "seen," and warm to someone who's taking the time to "see" them.
Thank you for reading, Elizabeth! And this is so smart — I've never thought of it that way, because I'm the same; if it wasn't an environment where there was a power imbalance, I'd be my normal, welcoming self. It can be easy to shed those pleasantries if you're constantly on guard. I have an appointment this morning and am going to keep that in mind! — Kat
Being prepared is such an important concept and so difficult for us complicated patients but still possible. I’ve found the visible band and app along with guava to be helpful with symptom tracking and correlation. I’ve also found I really have to figure out what the main thing is I want to get out of my appt. Pain management? Med adjustment? Help with a nagging symptom? It’s so hard to narrow down but if I do I get a better appt overall.
SUCH a good tip. Without even realizing it, I had a very specific plan for my rheumatology appointment yesterday and it was probably the best one I’ve had since I started seeing her. Thank you for commenting, I know your idea will help others!
Hi Kat,
I also have chronic illness and I worked in healthcare for many years. When I advocate for both myself or my mom, I never hesitate to escalate a situation to hospital or clinic management. Whether it is that you have been treated with disrespect or that you feel your symptoms are being dismissed in any way, shape or form, I encourage anyone to immediately escalate concerns to upper level management. These become training opportunities for the staff to be made aware of how to professionally and appropriately address and meet patients needs.
There are lots of doctors out there; there is no need to feel handcuffed to one provider. Especially if you are not getting the care you need and deserve.
We must advocate for ourselves!!!
Such good advice — and I hadn’t considered instances being used as training opportunities, which makes a lot of sense. I appreciate people like you who get it (and thank you for understanding both the admin and patient perspective).
Amen to the DON'T tips!! A sneer, wisecrack, or talking over you is abusive. The whole point of health is that when the patient feels supported and cared about/ respected, the body begins to heal itself before we even get the prescription filled!
If you wouldn't take it from a spouse or friend; don't take it from a doctor.
SUCH a good last line and piece of advice — something I need to keep in mind because I often find myself making excuses for bad behavior.
Such great lists, Kat. I'd add to remember the normal human-to-human gestures: a smile (initially, for manners, no need to keep it on if it doesn't fit), eye contact, calling people -- especially support staff -- by name (asking, if I can't see the name tag!). Those are actions I don't think twice about in situations where I feel on an "equal footing" with professionals I'm dealing with; behaving that way in a medical office helps me remember that I'm an equal here too, simply consulting with experts for the benefit of their expertise. When I act that way, I feel (more) that way. And especially the eye contact seems to be a surprise -- a pleasant one -- for professionals; they feel "seen," and warm to someone who's taking the time to "see" them.
Thank you for reading, Elizabeth! And this is so smart — I've never thought of it that way, because I'm the same; if it wasn't an environment where there was a power imbalance, I'd be my normal, welcoming self. It can be easy to shed those pleasantries if you're constantly on guard. I have an appointment this morning and am going to keep that in mind! — Kat
Being prepared is such an important concept and so difficult for us complicated patients but still possible. I’ve found the visible band and app along with guava to be helpful with symptom tracking and correlation. I’ve also found I really have to figure out what the main thing is I want to get out of my appt. Pain management? Med adjustment? Help with a nagging symptom? It’s so hard to narrow down but if I do I get a better appt overall.
SUCH a good tip. Without even realizing it, I had a very specific plan for my rheumatology appointment yesterday and it was probably the best one I’ve had since I started seeing her. Thank you for commenting, I know your idea will help others!