Migraine

"We found that communication and clinical decision-making ability were important predictors of future complaints to regulatory authorities."

Patients who feel that their relationship with their doctors is lacking two-way communication will be especially interested in a JAMA article released today. Tamblyn et al concluded, “Scores achieved in patient-physician communication and clinical decision making on a national licensing examination predicted complaints to medical regulatory authorities.”

Find out more about this study and its implications in Doctors’ Scores on Communication Predict Complaints to Authorities.

Yes! Here's to improved communication, both ways!

We patients need to remember that our doctors tend to hear only the first eighteen SECONDS of what we say to them.At least, that's what I've read. That's why I write down what I want to say, read it off, and leave a copy to go in my chart. I make notes on both copies of what was said by "bofus" so we both know what was said.

I've had problems with my neuro's PAs (two of them now) not listening to me. They've gotten hung up on the prescription of the month - Relpax - and really pushed it on me, even though it doesn't work for me. I had to get really pushy with each of them to get proper treatment.

Our family doctor and I don't have such problems, but he's been treating us for 22 years now. His 2 kids are about the same ages as my 2 older girls. We share a lot of history. My appointments withhim generally take about 20-30 min., and are very thorough.

My neuro is also a migraineur, and happens to be friends with my sister. This helps.

My allergist is a cousin. When I need a rheumatologist, I'll go to his brother.

My gynecologist is also friends with my sister.

Yes, I'm taking advantage of these relationships. These doctors know it. They encourage it. They also tattle to my sister! (She's an Ob-Gyn, by the way.) At least I know my doctors listen to me!

Only problem is that all my doctors are in their mid-40's or older. My family's ENT has already retired. Will I outlive them? Will they retire within the next 10-15 years? I'm already on my 4th psychiatrist (in 9 years). She's only in her 30's, but there's no guarantee she'll stay with the practice.

Rebecca

Know what I'm wishing? That I could see the scores of ALL my doctors on the communication part of their medical exams BEFORE I ever step foot in their offices. Wouldn't THAT be helpful? If only....
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I hear ya, Deb!!

Love the Pie in the Sky.

quote:

Originally posted by Orah_deb:
Know what I'm wishing? That I could see the scores of ALL my doctors on the communication part of their medical exams BEFORE I ever step foot in their offices. Wouldn't THAT be helpful? If only....
.