What's Up, Doc (or Midwife)?
Communicating effectively with a healthcare provider proves quite challenging!
Not knowing what we don’t know. Distractions all day long. Long waiting periods. Really brief appointment times. How are we supposed to know what to say, remember everything, and fit it all in?
I believe it is so very important for individuals to educate themselves and advocate for their needs, particularly when it comes to healthcare. During my pregnancies, I always told my OB as soon as he entered the room that I had questions for him. That way, I gave him an opportunity to let me know when he felt ready to answer, and I’d set myself up for interrupting if he got distracted and forgot. I tell myself now that he grew fond of my many questions – some about the baby and some about me, some seemingly off-beat but always important to me.
You play a starring role on your healthcare team. They say a PCP plays quarterback position. In this case, your OB or midwife may be subbing for your PCP, or, at the very least, playing a very important supporting role. I’ll get lost in the metaphor if I keep trying to make it work (would an OB be a wide receiver?), but you get the idea. You’re the coach of the team, with a responsibility to hold the vision, make sure all players work well with each other, and get the job done. If your provider doesn’t ask you about something you believe is important, ask them your questions or tell them what you think they need to know.
Going back to my lackluster metaphor, even coaches need assistants and playbooks. Here are some recommendations for getting the most out of your visits:
- Bring a list of observations, concerns, and questions. You could even bring ACOG’s list of topics [link to 4th trimester blog post] to your prenatal and postpartum appointments.
- Prioritize your concerns. Start with your top priority, fit in as much as time allows, and ask for follow-up if needed.
- Bring a partner, close friend, or family member with you. People who are close to you can share their observations with you before the appointment, and they can provide encouragement while you’re there.
- Take notes, or ask someone to take notes for you. Even though medical providers usually discourage using a cell phone in an exam room, you could ask for permission to use the note app on your phone or bring a notebook.
- Access your medical records in between appointments. You can stay up to date and manage some things before your next visit.
- Ask for your provider’s preferred method of communication. You can save time and energy by knowing whether you should call your provider or a nurse, or send a secure message via an online portal.
Don’t forget to share these tips with people you know. They may not know the recommended ACOG guidelines, and they may be able to share wisdom with you too. Or they may just need encouragement to speak up for themselves. After all, this is a team sport.