Health ... Medical Care
Overcoming Communication Issues Between Doctors and Seniors
by Shelley Webb, The Eldercare Support Group
Clear communication between a doctor and patient is vital to ensure that seniors receive the best medical care possible. Effective verbal communication helps the doctor gain insight into possible medical problems that the patient may be experiencing, and also ensures that the patient comprehends the instructions provided by the doctor. As is often the case with seniors, several barrier exist and cause communication issues which may stand in the way of optimal medical care.
While medical tests can reveal most of the story, the information that the patient shares verbally is just as beneficial to the doctor when it comes to diagnosing a medical condition. Most people experience anxiety when they go to the doctor. The exam room can be quite intimidating, especially for senior patients. Conversations tend to be rushed and often little time is set aside for the patient to speak freely. Add to that the fact that many of our elders grew up in an era where "complaining" to physicians was looked upon as a weakness OR where there was little money available for medical treatment. They were taught to "just keep on going and it'll eventually go away".
Ailments that are common to seniors such as depression, are often overlooked because the majority of the office visit is spent noting vital signs and reviewing the results of medical tests.
There are many medical problems that seniors may be experiencing that go unreported because they are simply afraid to bring them up in the doctor's office. Incontinence issues are often overlooked because elders are embarassed to speak of them.
Hearing deficits are a big problem when it comes to receiving the correct information from the physician. Retaining information is another aspect of communication that can be an obstacle for older patients. A doctor is likely to provide a lot of information during an office visit and there may be little time for the patient to write down or remember all of the instructions that are given, especially when there is any type of dementia involved.
Details concerning dietary guidelines and instructions for the administration of medication are all important, but not always remembered by senior patients.
There are some considerations that doctors can utilize when dealing with older patients to reduce the instances of miscommunication but as most of us already know, doctors are often rushed and many of these considerations are not put into place without some encouragement by the patient or their representative.
- My first suggestion is that a family member, a trusted friend or a caregiver who is very familiar with the senior attend the office visit with the loved one.
- Secondly, make a list of questions that you or your loved one would like covered during the visit. Just like having a grocery list, this list of questions will keep you focused.
- Thirdly, bring a notebook that contains vital information such as insurance provider, family medical history, a list of currently and recently taken medications, diagnostic tests that have been performed (and their results if you have them), allergies and a page on which notes from each office visit can be placed. (These notebooks are available for sale on our website and will soon be available in an immediately downloadable format.)
- Doctors can plan longer office visits for senior patients. Call ahead and explain that you will be accompanying an elder patient so that more time will be scheduled for the visit. You might even give a list of your concerns to the nurse so that she can pass them along to the physician. When a doctor does not feel rushed, he will tend to speak slowly and allow more time for the patient to relax and share information.
- Having the physician summarize the key points made during the visit at the end is also very helpful. Anything that was not understood previously can then be revisited.
- Written instructions provided at the end of the visit for the patient to take home and review will help ensure that instructions are followed. Review these with the nurse who will probably be the one returning to the room with the instructions.
By following these tips, you and your loved one will have a better understanding of his or her current condition and what if any changes need to be made.
