From prioritizing the most important issues to using new medical technologies, these tricks will ensure a more efficient and valuable consultation experience.
How to have an effective doctor’s consultation. Photo: Shutterstock
In an era where time is often limited and doctor appointments are only 15 minutes long, many patients feel misunderstood and frustrated because they don’t have enough time to address all of their concerns, according to washingtonpost.com. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, MD, shares some essential tips for making these visits more efficient and getting quality care, even under tight time constraints.
1. Share an interesting detail about yourself
Even though it seems like strange advice when discussing a quick consultation, Dr. Pasricha recommends sharing an interesting detail about yourself.
“Imagine you are at your 11th consultation of the day. It’s flu season and all the patients are wearing masks, and discussions of diabetes and hypertension start to mix. And then… a patient suddenly tells you that he was a pilot in the military. Or that his teenage niece is teaching him to ski for the first time. Or that she started working on crocheting a magnificent penguin during the pandemic“, according to the cited source.
Dr. Pasricha points out that such moments can help create a more human connection between doctor and patient: “These moments remind doctors that they are treating a person, not a disease.” She explains that biopsychosocial research has shown that integrating patients’ stories into their care improves outcomes for both parties.
2. Address the most important issue directly
Many patients end up voicing their biggest concerns only at the end of the consultation, but this can lead to a lack of time to adequately address them. “I like to start consultations by asking patients what they want to discuss first. Then we can talk about other topics like prescriptions or screening tests“, says Dr. Pasricha.
It is important not to wait until the end of the meeting to bring up the most important topics, even if they are difficult or embarrassing. That way, the doctor will have enough time to listen to you and focus on what really worries you.
3. Bring written notes for common questions
When you have new symptoms, the doctor will ask a series of standard questions, and clear and detailed answers will save valuable time. “When did the problem start? It is important to have a clear estimate of the duration – there is a big difference between a few weeks and a few years. What interventions or medications have you already tried? What if someone in the family had similar symptoms?”
Rehearsing this information before the consultation can help you focus on essential details and save time for physical assessment and counseling.
4. Give artificial intelligence a chance
Dr. Pasricha notes that many clinics are beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically create medical notes based on patient-doctor discussion. “Have you ever been to a consultation where the doctor didn’t look up from the computer? Soon, AI will become more and more present in medical offices, and if your doctor uses this system, you should not be afraid to try it. Actually, IA could help restore the humanity of the doctor-patient relationship.”
It argues that AI in medicine is regulated and compliant with data privacy legislation, and that transcription technologies do not record conversations, only write them down.
5. Take advantage of the presence of medical students or residents
If you are at a major academic center, you may encounter students or residents who work alongside your doctor. Although this may mean you have to repeat your story, Dr. Pasricha points out several advantages. “Studies show that doctors are most empathetic when they are fresh graduates, so they can be the most dedicated and sensitive team members. Plus, when a resident or student is involved in your care, there’s a chance that the allotted time will be longer, allowing you to discuss more details.”
