Doctors often operate in “automatic pilot”.
Not to be heard at the doctor, to leave frustrated, questions in the head … This feeling, many know him. It may be due to the famous “white blouse” effect that paralyzes, the fear of not finding the right words in front of a complex medical jargon, or lack of time. With an average duration of consultation which stagnates around 18 minutes in France, according to the Ministry of Health, dialogue with the doctor can quickly be shortened, leaving the patient with a feeling of unfinished. So how can you make sure that your symptoms are taken seriously? A doctor shared a simple and formidably effective strategy to be heard during a medical appointment.
Before coming, Dr. Karan Rajan, doctor with the NHS (the British health service), advises to keep a newspaper of his symptoms. Note “In detail your symptoms as soon as they appear, their severity, which improves or worsens them and their impact on your daily life” he recommends in a Tiktok video. He also suggests being precise in the description of symptoms: “For example, instead of” I am tired “, prefer:” Every afternoon around 2 p.m., I am struck by overwhelming fatigue that makes me get behind in my work. “
Once in consultation, if the diagnosis made is not suitable and concerns persist, asking the right questions can change everything. “Doctors are trained to think critically, but often work as an automatic pilot. Ask questions forces them to slow down and take an interest in your concerns” reports Dr. Rajan. The first key question to be asked is: “What could that be else?”. This pushes the doctor to consider other tracks. If the answer still does not convince, ask, “Are there any tests that we have not yet carried out?” Which opens the door to additional examinations. Finally, a third possible question: “Can you explain to me why you think it’s normal for me?”. The latter obliges the doctor to personalize and justify his response.
Also note that the presence of a loved one during a medical appointment can help: “He can take notes, remember questions and support you if you don’t feel listened to.” Finally, obtaining a second medical opinion, especially from a specialist doctor, can unlock a situation. Feel listened to and confident is the basis of successful care.
