Part 5: Carer roles during a consultation
4 out of 10Get information:
Click through each of the icons below to find out different ways of getting information
Ask questions:
It is ok to ask questions, ask the health professional to explain something, or ask them for clarification. It is important that both you and the patient understand the illness and treatment.
Prepare a list of questions:
Bringing along a list of questions to ask clinicians, such as the one you created earlier in this resource, can help you to get all the information you need.
Bring a notebook:
Bring a notebook to each consultation and write down any important information or instructions from the doctor. These notes can help you and the patient to accurately remember what was said in the consultation.
Another pair of ears:
In some situations it is helpful for two carers to attend the consultation (particularly if an important decision needs to be made). One carer can take notes, so the other can be more actively listening and discussing.
Record the consultation:
You can also ask the doctor if it’s okay to record the consultation (this can be done using a mobile phone), as we know this can be very helpful for both you and the patient.
OVERALL COMPLETION
