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News Releases
Opening the Doctor-Patient Lines of Communication
Columbia, Mo. (July 11 2007) - Communication is key to many things. This holds especially true for people with a chronic disease and their doctors. The Arthritis Foundation says that people with rheumatoid arthritis do better when they have good communication with their doctors.
"It is so important for patients to be able to communicate well with their doctors," says Sara Walker, M.D., professor, MU School of Medicine, University of Missouri - Columbia, and Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center co-investigator. "Take a prepared list of items you want to discuss to your medical appointments, and don't be afraid to ask questions."
It may seem like a no-brainer, but people need to feel comfortable sharing information with their physician. The Arthritis Foundation suggests a few ideal qualities to look for in a physician.
- Confidence. A patient must trust their doctor. Patients are more likely to be compliant with their treatment plan if they have confidence in their doctor's ability.
- Questions. Patients go to doctors in search of answers. Some doctors allow a reasonable amount of time for patient questions. Take advantage of this opportunity and ask questions.
- Demeanor. It's important that you understand your doctor, but it is equally important that you be understood by your doctor. You must feel that your doctor truly cares about your well-being.
Choosing the right doctor is important, but so is being a good patient. Here are some tips to help you to get the most from your next appointment with your doctor.
Before the appointment:
- Keep a journal of questions. Concerns about your condition may come to you at random times, and unless they're written down, may be forgotten. Make a running list of questions to be addressed.
- Keep a food and/or symptoms journal. By faithfully keeping track of your symptoms and diet, your doctor can get a good picture of your every day health. Patterns may emerge upon inspection of your notes that will give clues to more effective treatments.
- "Consider taking a relative or friend along with you, to take notes and help you remember what the doctor said," suggests Dr. Walker.
Living with a chronic disease can make life difficult, but you're not alone, your physician is there for you. Keeping the doctor-patient lines of communication open will only benefit you in the long run.
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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