Getting the most from your Healthcare Appointment

Health care appointments are stressful for anyone. Research shows that people forget 50% of the information shared during an appointment. In addition to not feeling well, things like stress, too much information provided too quickly and unfamiliar medical language make appointments challenging. Communicating well with healthcare providers is one of the most important parts of getting good care.

The Getting the Most from Your Healthcare Appointment Workshop is a 1.5 hour interactive session that focuses on what to do before, during and after an appointment using a variety of learning resources including information sharing, videos, and handouts to support individuals to be confident during their appointment. This workshop prepares and empowers individuals to communicate well with their health care provider. Ultimately, patients are the most important members of their healthcare team.

If your organization is interested in hosting this FREE Workshop for your clients, please contact: Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Self-Management Program at 1-855-333-2376

Tips to get the most from your Healthcare Appointment

Before your appointment

• Write down and prioritize your questions
• Write a list on main symptoms and concerns
• Complete any prescribed tests
• Bring any forms with you
• Do your own research
• Update your medication list. Include prescriptions, vitamins, herbals etc
• Ask a family member of friend to come with you

During your appointment

• Share your list of questions and symptoms
• Do not expect the healthcare provider to deal with all of your concerns
• Ask questions. For example What is my main health problem? What do I need to do? Why do I need to do this? How will this affect my everyday life?
• Listen to your healthcare provider
• Answer any questions honestly
• Take notes
• If you do not understand something ask them to repeat it to you