Whether you are a child or an adult, going to the doctor can feel scary, often because doctors seem to speak another language. From listing conditions that sound almost deadly to prescribing medications that patients have never heard of, it may feel almost impossible to understand what the doctor is saying. Consequently, patients may leave the doctor’s office not having processed anything that they were just told. 

This is where the concept of patient self-advocacy comes in. Formally, self-advocacy can be defined as “speaking up for yourself in order to get your needs met, voice personal preferences, and maintain a level of control over [your life].” Simply put, self-advocacy surrounds the concept of empowering patients to understand what is going on with their body and fight to ensure they receive the best care possible. Although this sounds like a simple concept, it can sometimes be difficult to talk to healthcare professionals about your body and your wellness. Below are some tips and concepts to help you communicate effectively with your physician and practice self-advocacy.

1. Qualities of a Good Self-Advocate

Being a good self-advocate can be tricky because on one hand, you want to stand up for yourself and ask for what you need, but on the other hand, you don’t want to sound rude. The following qualities will help you balance politeness with self-advocacy and ensure you get the best treatment possible:

• Ask questions. If you need to know something, ask! It’s better than doing something wrong later on.

• Communicate your strengths and needs clearly and confidently. This might take some practice and preparation but don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. 

• Know your rights. Once again, this takes some practice but knowing your rights will take you far and help you understand what you can ask for when talking to your physician.

• Be an active listener. Listen along with your doctor, make mental (or physical) notes, and repeat things back to ensure that you have understood your physician correctly.

• Be assertive while being respectful and polite. Your doctor is not above you in any way, shape, or form. Understand that it is okay to ask for what you need and as long as you are nice about it, your doctor will not think it is rude. 

• Ask for a second opinion. It is not considered rude or disrespectful to ask for a second opinion or to want a different physician. Your needs come first and you should do what you think is best if you feel your physician is not best for you. 

2. What To Do Before Meeting with a Physician

Before meeting with your physician, you should ensure that you are prepared and know what you would like to address. There are two main things you should think about: scheduling your appointment and preparing for your visit.

When scheduling your appointment, make sure to have your personal information ready, such as your healthcare insurance, as well as previous medical records if necessary. Ensure that you are calling during business hours and keep in mind dates that are available for you. Be ready to describe any symptoms or signs that you might be experiencing and, most importantly, keep track of your appointment date and time. 

Next, when preparing for your visit, try to make a list of your concerns and have them ordered by priority. Remember to bring all relevant information, such as your ID and insurance information. If you anticipate issues such as getting home or having a language barrier, make sure you bring a family member or friend.

3. What To Do During Your Meeting

During your visit, ensure that you arrive early and check-in at the specified location. If you anticipate having a language barrier, ask for a translator if necessary (it is your right!). When interacting with your physician, describe your condition and concerns in detail. Then, be sure that you are attentive and an active listener. Once you and your physician decide on a treatment option, make sure to take notes in order to fulfill your treatment plan. 

One strategy to use when meeting with your physician is the teach-back method. After your physician tells you what course of action to take or how to use a certain medication, ask if you can repeat the instructions, then say the directions back. This will not only ensure that you know what needs to be done, but  it will also help your doctor be sure that you know how to take care of yourself.

4. What To Do After The Visit

After your visit, make sure to take note of who to contact for a follow-up appointment or other resources. Pick up and fill any prescriptions that you may need and ask your physician or pharmacist for any clarifications. 

Ultimately, the main principle behind self-advocacy stems from a knowledge of yourself and what you need as well as being able to communicate this effectively. With practice, being a good self-advocate will ensure that you get the best care possible.