Communicating with health professionals

Don't be afraid to ask questions about palliative care

When you are ill you need to talk with health professionals. Talking openly is important. It will help you to understand what is happening. It will help with your concerns. It might be helpful to tell health professionals that you have a carer that looks after you.

You may find that there are many health professionals involved in caring for you. This can mean having many conversations about your medical condition. There are some things that might help:

• Ask if you can talk to just one or two professionals. This will help to avoid repeating things and may help to reduce any confusion.
• You may not want certain people to be aware of what is happening. Let health professionals know who they can and can't share your information with.
• Older people and younger people communicate differently. In your culture, one of your family may act as your representative. Tell a health professional if someone is to act on your behalf. Make sure that what is happening is what you wish to happen.
• It is important that you know what is happening and what to expect. If you don’t understand something let them know, say ‘Can we stop, I don’t quite follow.’
• If you have questions write them down and take them with you to any appointments. Make another appointment if you have more questions to ask or think of new ones.

Page created 05 November 2021