Patient_Toolkit_v4A_Fillable Format
The Patient’s Toolkit for Diagnosis prepares patients for medical appointments. We patients know that being engaged in our care helps figure out a “working diagnosis”. That “working diagnosis” may change as more information is gathered. We recognize that a diagnosis can be certain or uncertain. But communication between patients and medical providers leads most efficiently to the most accurate diagnosis.
The Toolkit help the patient be part of this process. As you fill out the form, think through the problems which concern you. Then you can discuss them well with the medical team. Use it during the appointment so your questions are addressed. After the appointment, it reminds you what was said or forgotten(!) and to prepare for any tests or treatments recommended. You can give a copy of the form to the doctor before the actual appointment, while you take notes on your copy. Don’t be surprised if he sets it aside, as he really should listen to you above all!
The Four Parts of the Toolkit:
1. Prepare for My Appointment
2. My Symptoms or Pain
3. My Medications
4. After My Doctor’s Visit: What’s Next?
Prepare for your appointment so you can remember what made you want to see the doctor. Think about your symptoms and what you have done to care for yourself. Think about the medications you take—or forget to take, and bring them with you. Decide what you want to get from this appointment in terms of your symptoms. Write down what the doctor might need to know about your health history or that of your family.
The Toolkit reminds you to ask, “What else can it be?” or “What is the purpose of this test?” These questions remind us and the doctor that getting a diagnosis comes from process of gathering information at the outset. If you understand the doctor’s thinking and need for the tests, you will likely be able to continue to help in this process. Remember it is a process in which both you and the doctor participate, so continue to take an active role.
WHY USE THIS TOOLKIT?
How in the world does a patient really prepare for an appointment with the doctor when there is a new problem…or not? Often we are not sure how to answer the doctor, when he asks, “What seems to be the problem?” We might have vague symptoms, be embarrassed, have an odd and worrisome pain that has gotten worse, think that it just ‘getting old’ or ‘being fat’ or ‘being stressed’. Plus, what if we are really sick? That might make us downplay some symptom or feel silly talking about being worried.
The Patient ToolKit helps the patient tell his story to the doctor and in a way that MIGHT get the doctor to hear your complete story. It can help you organize your symptoms, prompt you to remember the timing, what has helped, what hasn’t, the meds you are taking and so on. As a minimum, it can get you to THINK about your symptoms in a more clear way.
Too often, it seems you are asked the same questions by the receptionist or then the nurse. When you see the doctor, you may think he has read all their notes and that you should not repeat what you have said. In fact, the doctor needs to hear your story in your words, and how you explain your concerns. To have all your thoughts organized and in writing might help that conversation be more effective, and can help you both to focus on the issue at hand.