As a patient, you are largely dependent on your doctor or health care provider. However, this does not mean that you have to endure such treatments. “There are studies that show that you can get sick if you passively undergo treatment. Being behind the wheel of your treatment and feeling that you are in control is critical to your healing process, self-care, respect for treatment and prevention,” he says. the professor. Edgard Eeckman of the non-profit organization Patient Empowerment.
Making patients or care recipients in general more ’empowered’ throughout the history of care is the goal of the still young nonprofit Patient Empowerment. “We are still looking for a suitable Dutch equivalent for ’empowered’. Because it’s not just about good communication with your doctor or care provider. Communication is a means of gaining more autonomy and a say in the care you need. But it is not a goal in itself. It is not only (chronic) patients who benefit from being in control. We also want to empower people with psychological needs or residents of residential centers in their role as care recipients. “
An authorized and involved service recipient offers a number of benefits for all parties involved. “Therapy adherence increases when people know exactly why they should take that drug or treatment. This is certainly the case with preventive therapies. The motivation to self-care also increases and the more involved patients also take more responsibility for their own health. . Health.”
Human contact
The fact that patients often find it difficult to indicate how they view their treatment is partly due to the nature of the relationship. “As a patient, you depend on your doctor or nurse for your recovery, which can hinder an equal relationship. Also, there is obviously an information gap. The doctor is the one who is best informed about treatments. Also, it is estimated that 15 to 40% of Belgians have low literacy, which means they have problems with writing, reading or speaking. This can make it difficult to ask critical questions or participate in decision making, “notes Edgard Eeckman, who has a strong opinion on patient empowerment PhD research.
The move towards greater digitalisation can also be an obstacle to patient empowerment. “Due to the evolution towards greater digitalisation of administration and processes, many people risk falling into oblivion. In practice, today it is often quite difficult to talk to your doctor. Obviously, technological progress is positive, but in the health sector. It will be an immense challenge to use it correctly and not just eliminate human contact. Don’t we want to end up in a society where robots bring bad news to patients? It’s not science fiction. Experiments have been underway in the United States, to help doctors save money. time”.
Tips to help with treatment
1. Prepare well
Before you go to the doctor, make a list of all the possible questions you want to answer. If you feel bad, you are more vulnerable and more likely to leave without your questions answered.
2. Think ahead of what you want
As a care recipient, you are an expert in your own life. Especially with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, … it is important to indicate what is important for your life, what you still want to be able to do, what treatments you think are feasible and so on. If necessary, talk to your partner or roommates.
3. Dare to ask
This sometimes takes a little bit of courage, but you are better informed afterwards. This benefits both your adherence to therapy and the healing process. If you notice that the doctor is short on time or wants to complete your list while your list has not yet been completed, make it clear in a friendly way that you still have questions. Then ask your doctor for an extra consultation to discuss this further.
4. Bring a trusted person
With two he always feels more than alone. You can also ask the counselor to take notes on what the doctor tells you, so you don’t miss any information.
5. Inquire
If you are not convinced by the explanation given by the doctor regarding your treatment options, clarify it and repeat your question. Do it again and again until you understand everything. Don’t be afraid to do it. Doctors and healthcare professionals are not always aware that their communication is not clear enough.
6. Be open
If in doubt about a diagnosis or treatment, dare to speak up. If you want a second opinion from another doctor, share it respectfully instead of doing it behind your back. If you don’t, those doubts threaten to re-emerge later in the treatment.
Further information: www.patientempowerment.be
The 2nd Patient Empowerment Symposium will be held on 25 October. Information on https://www.the-institute.org/samen-in-actie.
Making patients or care recipients in general more ’empowered’ throughout the history of care is the goal of the still young nonprofit Patient Empowerment. “We are still looking for a suitable Dutch equivalent for ’empowered’. Because it’s not just about good communication with your doctor or care provider. Communication is a means of gaining more autonomy and a say in the care you need. But it’s not a goal in itself. It’s not just (chronic) patients who benefit from the co-director. We also want to empower people with psychological needs or residents of residential care centers in their role as care recipients. ” a series of benefits for all parties involved. “Therapy adherence increases when people know exactly why they should take that drug or treatment. This is certainly the case with preventive therapies. The motivation to self-care also increases and the more involved patients also take more responsibility for their own health. . health.” The fact that patients often find it difficult to indicate how they view their treatment is partly due to the nature of the relationship. “As a patient, you depend on your doctor or nurse for your recovery, which can hinder an equal relationship. Also, there is obviously an information gap. The doctor is the one who is best informed about treatments. Also, it is estimated that 15 to 40% of Belgians have low literacy, which means they have problems with writing, reading or speaking. This can make it difficult to ask critical questions or participate in decision making, “notes Edgard Eeckman, who has a strong opinion on patient empowerment doctoral research The evolution towards greater digitalisation can also be an obstacle to patient empowerment. “Due to the evolution towards greater digitalisation of administration and processes, many people risk falling into oblivion. In practice, today it is often quite difficult to talk to your doctor. Of course, technological progress is positive, but in the health sector. it will be an immense challenge to use it correctly and not just eliminate human contact. Don’t we want to end up in a society where robots bring bad news to patients? It’s not science fiction. Experiments have been underway in the United States, to help doctors save money. time. ”1. Prepare Before you go to the doctor, make a list of all the possible questions you want answered. If you feel sick, you are more vulnerable and more likely to leave without an answer to your questions. 2. Think ahead about what you want: as a care recipient, you are an expert in your own life, especially with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, .. . it is important to indicate what is important for your life, what you still want to be able to do, what treatments you think are feasible and so on. If necessary, also talk to your partner / roommates. 3. Have the courage to ask Sometimes it takes a little courage, but then you are better informed. This benefits both your adherence to therapy and the healing process. If you notice that your doctor is short on time or wants to complete your list while your list has not yet been completed, please clarify in a friendly way that you still have questions. Then ask your doctor for an extra consultation to discuss this further. Bring a confidential consultant With two it always feels more than just a simple one. You can also ask the confidential counselor to take note of what the doctor tells you, so that you do not miss any information. Question Do not make sense of the explanation the healthcare provider gives about treatment options, clarify it and repeat your question. Do it again and again until you understand everything. Don’t be afraid to do it. Doctors and healthcare professionals are not always aware that their communication is not clear enough. 6. Be open.If in doubt about a diagnosis or treatment, dare to speak up. If you want a second opinion from another doctor, share it respectfully instead of doing it behind your back. Otherwise, these doubts risk re-emerging during treatment. More information: www.patientempowerment.be The 2nd Symposium on Patient Empowerment Care will be held on 25 October. Information on https://www.the-institute.org/samen-in-actie.
