Communicate well with healthcare professionals
People receiving care and their caregivers need to be ACTIVE participants in their healthcare journey. This means remembering your own needs and rights in every conversation.
Being ACTIVE means that you should:
AAdopt an attitude of self-worth
CCenter your needs
TTake up time, space and resources
IIdentify your rights
VValue your support system
EExpect challenges
Making the most of medical appointments
Conversations with healthcare professionals can be difficult for many reasons. Try using the SPEAK strategies at your next appointment. People who SPEAK up have better healthcare outcomes.
Watch the videos below to learn more about SPEAK strategies.
S
Start at Home
Video Summary: How do you prepare for appointments? Choose a strategy to keep track of notes from appointments. Keep an updated health history, set priorities, and make notes. Include your support people
P
Present Requests
Video Summary: What do you need for an appointment to go well? Tell the health professional what they can do to help you. Use the prompt, “It would help me if you could...write down key words, speak slowly and facing me so I can hear you, etc.”
E
Explain the Issue
Video Summary: Clearly communicate why you are at a medical appointment without minimizing your concerns. Speak up and highlight what the issue is. Make it clear how you are feeling and explain your story.
A
Ask to Understand
Video Summary: Healthcare conversations can be hard to understand. Ask your healthcare provider to slow down, explain what a new word means, write down helpful notes, or to repeat themselves. Clarify your understanding by asking questions.
K
Keep Asking
Video Summary: What can you do with unanswered questions after an appointment? Ask for reports, notes, or print-outs from the appointment. Book follow-up appointments right away. Ask who you can contact if you have more questions. Find supports in the community and others who you can speak with.
Prepare for your next appointment
Use the YourCare+ Appointment Planner to plan questions and topics you want to discuss with your healthcare professional.
Helpful Resource
Waterloo-Wellington Older Adult Strategy Making the Most of your Medical Appointments printable sheet.
The Ontario Caregiver Organization offers free eLearning courses. Try their course Caregivers Partnering with Health Professionals – A Strategy that works.
