Why You Need a Doctor Who Gives You Control

Finding the Right Doctors

Like so many patients seeking the best possible healthcare in today’s modern system, you have probably — and likely more than once — sat across from a doctor who you know had no interest in listening to you and your concerns. Of course, as patients we are reminded that doctors are the ones who attended several years of school so they could help their patients achieve the best health possible. However, that does not mean that your role as a patient should be discounted. After all, it is called a doctor-patient relationship for a reason.

The Institute for Healthcare Communication focuses on the impact of communication between patients and their healthcare professionals and notes that “research evidence indicates that there are strong positive relationships between a healthcare team member’s communication skills and a patient’s capacity to follow through with medical recommendations, self-manage a chronic medical condition, and adopt preventive health behaviors.” When physicians acknowledge patient-physician communication as an essential piece of the puzzle, they might realize that they may see a decrease in one of their struggles in achieving patient success, which lies patient adherence to recommendations and instructions.

As of 2011, a company called Commonwealth performed a Health Care Quality Survey that indicated that 25 percent of patients queried did not adhere to their physician’s medical advice. Of those patients, 39 percent of the patients reported that they did not agree with their doctor’s advice, which indicates a breakdown in communication on some level.

So, you are not alone in your need for a doctor that listens and offers you some measure of control in the direction and execution of your care.

Why You Need a Doctor Who Gives You Control

When patients feel free to discuss their concerns, ask questions and assert their own thoughts on their care, it offers a sense of empowerment and control. You need to feel empowered when you are trying to take care of your body with your doctor’s guidance.

Your physician will not stay by your side 24/7/365, so you need to develop the tools and confidence to take some of that responsibility on yourself. And more importantly, you want to feel heard by your doctor. In any relationship, it is important to know that the person across from you sees you as a person, not a chart or list of symptoms.

In case you need some backup for your position, here are a few of the core reasons you need a doctor who gives you control and listens to your concerns:

• When your physician knows precisely what you are thinking, he or she can help you better. They can offer insights to clarify their diagnosis or recommended course of action.
• You will feel more satisfied with your care and that you are developing a working relationship with your caregiver, as opposed to feeling like someone who does not take their health care concerns seriously.
• You will feel more invested in making any necessary behavioral changes, such as smoking cessation, weight loss or increasing fitness when you and your doctor talk about the struggles in making those changes versus the many positive life-changing results that await you. Your doctor’s instructions will feel less like edicts and commands than encouragement for you to take hold of your health and improve it.

 

Revere Health Can Help!

At Revere Health, we strive to work with you to put your health into your own hands. We are here to support you in taking healthy steps in your well-being and caring for you when you need our expertise. Please explore our website and contact us today if you want a healthcare provider network brimming with resources that include doctors and support staff who listen to you and offer you unrivaled options and control.