Increasing Physician-patient Communication in the Elderly
Elderly patients are more likely to assume a passive role in their health care decisions, either following (or quietly disregarding)medical advice offered by their physicians. The questions in this article can be asked by either the provider or the patient in preparation for their appointment, in order to increase the individual’s ability to advocate for self, and actively participate in their treatment plan.
As the baby boomers age, our current health care system must adapt in order to accommodate the needs of this vast segment of our population. While more and more individuals are becoming active in their own health care and in making health care determinations, the majority of this portion of the American people remain passive; following their doctors recommendations , or not following them, rather than actually discussing their own goals and having that be a primary aspect of their health plan.
Without assigning blame to either the elderly clients, or the health care providers who attempt to care for them with limited time allotted for each visit, it is clear that something must change.
With that in mind, knowing that communication is a vital component in appropriate health care, the following questions will be of use to both physician and patient alike. Print out the following questions, think about the answers in a non-pressures setting without a time limit, and then use the answers as a starting point for your next physician interaction, Health care providers would do well to keep these questions in mind as a part of their assessments, as they make prompt the patient to reveal previously unreported and yet significant information to their treating physician.
- Can you rate your general health now, as opposed to what you think it was when you were in your mid thirties?
- What beliefs about what is “healthy” or good for you have changed for you over the years?
- How do you obtain any routine medications, do you take them as prescribed; or is obtaining or taking medications an issue for you? Are financial concerns interfering with ability to obtain meds? Do you think that the medications you take on a regular basis are working for you, and why, or do you feel that they are not helping, or are causing negative results.
- Is the financial aspect of health care an issue or concern for you?
- In the event that you should no longer be able to remain independent, what are your plans?
- What would you describe as being your “healthiest” life-long habit?
- What would you describe as being your “unhealthiest” trait?
- Do you currently have any active health problems?
- What do you consider your greatest lifelong accomplishments to be, and are there any major goals you have yet to achieve?
- Does your spouse have any health problems that are a concern?
- What support systems are available to you, such as children, friends, neighbors, etc.
- What activity do you engage in that makes you feel the most like “yourself”
- What activities do you enjoy that keep your brain active?
- What physical activities do you participate in on a regular basis?
By reviewing these questions, the patient has stepped into an active role in his health and treatment plan, revealing more than just his most recent symptoms. At the same time, the physician must view his patient as a unique individual, a complex human being, rather than a case of any particular illness. Both provider and recipient of health care services are better able to set and reach goals, and each has another tool to improve their communication, with the end result being better health care.
Liked it
