Go to the doctor it is never a pleasant event and many people experience the moment with anxiety.
A way to lighten it slightly can be to faccompanied by someone.
In fact, a trusted person who acts as a support can help manage any moments of agitation and remember exactly what is said by the doctor, who is sometimes forgotten or confused by the person concerned precisely because of this state of mind.
There are no specific situations in which to bring someone with you because a lot depends on your personality and visits that may seem trivial to some are not.
However, some circumstances certainly deserve more attention than others.
Clinical situations where it is useful to bring someone
- When a new diagnosis is communicated
- When a decision has to be made
- When should diagnostic tests be performed?
When a new diagnosis is communicated
When the scheduled medical visit in all likelihood will lead to a new diagnosis is better not to approach it aloneeven if it’s nothing serious.
Faced with a novelty in the clinical field, in fact, it may happen that you are unable to remain completely lucid and not to ask the most useful questions to fully understand one’s state and what will need to be done as a result. A person external to the situation, however close emotionally, is certainly more able to keep the pulse of the situation and not miss important details.
When a decision has to be made
For the same reason, even when you are considering whether or not to undergo an operation or therapy it is good to be accompanied by a loved onewhich can help you make the most suitable choice for yourself and collect all the information you need more calmly.
Making important decisions without involving your loved ones can in fact lead you in the wrong direction and make you feel alone even when you are not.
When should diagnostic tests be performed?
Before undergoing certain testssuch as those to the eye, but also those involving the intake of drugs or anesthetics, it is expressly asked to be accompanied but even where it is not specified it is always better to do so because an outpatient procedure, however light, could be tiring or less lucid in the immediately following phase. Especially if you arrived at the meeting place by car, it is therefore advisable to temporarily entrust yourself to a trusted person.
How to choose the person to be accompanied by
Just as there are no specific situations in which to ask for external support, in the same way there is no person better suited than another to be accompanied by. A parent is fine, but so is a partner, a child or a friend, as long as it is a trusted figure and that his presence makes you feel safe and at easeor, even in the face of the disclosure of extremely personal medical news.
Another aspect not to be underestimated in the choice of companion is who is comfortable and confident in a healthcare environment.
Furthermore, especially if the reason why you decide not to go alone is the fact that you are anxious people, it is important to be sure that your support is not in turn but that on the contrary know how to keep calm even in the least comfortable situations and take matters into your own hands if the need arises.
However, being accompanied by a doctor does not mean that the chosen person has to replace the patient. To avoid this it is good to have a conversation beforehand, in which explain to the interlocutor the reason why his presence was requested and what is expected of him or her. Indeed, the options are different.
His presence can only act as a silent support and shoulder once you leave the doctor’s office, but you may also want him to take notes on what the doctor said and then report it later or, finally, to intervene verbally during the visit.
How to support someone at a doctor’s appointment
To be of help to a person who is about to undergo a visit, an examination or a consultation, before that moment you can ask her to make a list of questions to ask your doctorso as not to forget about it when the time comes.
Essential too have all the necessary information regarding your health condition and know any medications taken at that time, so as to be able to intervene appropriately if necessary.
It is also good manners during the visit introduce yourself to the healthcare professional and explain why you are there, take notes if requested and if you don’t understand something, always in agreement with the patient, ask questions.
Finally, once you leave the appointment, talk to the person being consulted, making sure that he has understood everything, making sure of his state of mind and ask if you need more help.
Source: www.my-personaltrainer.it
