Talking to Your Healthcare Provider
~ Paula Raimondo, Health Sciences Librarian, University of Maryland, Baltimore, February 2011
Many folks find it hard to talk with their doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Just being in the doctor’s office or a clinic can be a scary experience. Then there is all the new information, long medical words, and maybe some bad news. It can be hard to think clearly, or ask the right questions. Here are ten resources to help patients ask the right questions about their health, understand the information they get, take care of their health, and learn to get around in the healthcare system.
Ask Me 3 - National Patient Safety Foundation [http://www.npsf.org/askme3/for_patients.php]
Asking questions helps you understand how to stay well or to get better. You don't need to feel rushed or embarrassed if you don't understand something. Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, use the Ask Me 3 questions to better understand your health.
The Wellness Information Zone: Health Information in Everyday Language [http://www.wellzone.org]
This site is meant for Americans looking for basic health information in everyday language in English and Spanish. The site includes four main areas: (1) diseases and medicines, (2) tests and treatments, (3) health and safety tips for all ages, and (4) links to local resources, such as health facilities and government programs.
Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/webeval/webeval_start.html]
This tutorial will teach you how to evaluate health information you find on the internet. As the introduction says, “Using the internet is like going on a treasure hunt. You could find some real gems, but you could also end up in some strange and dangerous places!”
MedlinePlus [www.medlineplus.gov]
This is the National Institutes of Health's web site for patients and their families and friends. It brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues. MedlinePlus offers free, reliable, up-to-date health information. This site also contains a section on Native American Health, here, where you can get updates on Native American health topics emailed to you. [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nativeamericanhealth.html]
MedlinePlus Easy to Read [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/all_easytoread.html]
The information here is written at a basic level, in language very easy to understand. Information is organized into three sections: Health Topics (read about symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention for over 800 diseases); Drugs and Supplements (learn about your prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines, including side effects, dosage, and more); and Videos and Cool Tools. (Watch videos on topics such as human anatomy, surgical procedures and health news. Test your knowledge with the interactive tutorials and games. Check your health by using the calculators and quizzes.)
Medspeak in Plain Language: Deciphering Medspeak [http://www.mlanet.org/resources/medspeak/plain-language-final.pdf]
Use this brochure as a tool to help understand what a doctor or nurse tells you. It has tips on how to understand medical terms, and information on how to find good health sites on the internet.
Minority Women’s Health: American Indians/Alaska Natives [http://www.womenshealth.gov/minority/americanindian/index.cfm]
This section of womenshealth.gov takes a close look at some of the main health problems facing Native American and Alaskan Native women, and provides links to more information. Topics include: accidents; alcoholism and drug abuse; diabetes; high blood pressure; infant death and violence.
Questions Are the Answer [http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer/index.html]
You can improve your care and the care of your loved ones by taking an active role in health care. Ask questions. Understand your condition. Evaluate your choices. Topics include Reducing Medical Mistakes; Questions to Ask Your Doctor; and Getting a Prescription. The site includes videos on how to take charge of your health.
Trust It or Trash It? [http://www.trustortrash.org/]
This is a tool to help you judge the quality of the health information you find on websites, or in handouts, booklets, etc.
Understanding Medical Words: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medicalwords.html]
This is a tutorial on medical words. You will learn why you and your doctor are sometimes speaking different languages, using the same words. There are quizzes if you want to test what you've learned.