Questions are the Answer

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently launched a campaign, "Questions are the Answer."

I've just watched all the videos. If you are interested in strengthening your clinician-patient bonds:

Go to www.ahrq.gov/questions and watch some or all of these very short videos.

Each from a different angle, these videos encourage patients to overcome the obstacles to effective two-way communication with their doctors and other clinicians.

The site also provides links to useful, free resources, such as 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors and Your Medicine: Be Smart. Be Safe. 

A free brochure, titled “Be More Involved in Your Health Care: Tips for Patients,” that can be viewed online, too, offers helpful suggestions to follow before, during and after a medical visit.

Another link leads you to a Question Builder, a short, user-friendly tool to help you prepare your questions before your next doctor visit.

"Research shows that patients who have a good relationship with their clinicians receive better care and are happier with their care. Communication is at the heart of the doctor-patient relationship."

"When patients become more actively involved in their own health, there’s a much stronger likelihood their health outcomes will be better."

Comments

[Jan Baird Hasak]

Thanks for all these resources, Wendy. Many patients can benefit from your insights.

[Hope For-Lymphoma]

Thanks for focusing on questions. The video of Laurri, a mom, who fired her doctor because he dismissed her questions and found a doctor who listened more carefully and diagnosed her is terrific. The question builder is as you'd expect, too simplistic and no more helpful than a patient's own notes. Perhaps you might blog about good questions for lymphoma patients (newly diagnosed, in treatment, recovering, in follow up but suspecting relapse, etc.) to bring to their oncologist.

Liz Hart McMillan

[Wendy S. Harpham, MD]

Dear Liz,
Sure, I will put your request in my "drafts" file to address in future posts. With hope, Wendy