Part 3: Including carers in consultations

In medical consultations, you should remain the focus. This is important - it is you who needs the medical care, it is your body, and ultimately you are the one who decides on your treatments.

However, it is also important that carers feel a part of the treatment team. Their role is less well defined than the role of patient, doctor, or nurse - so it can be helpful to establish their role and relationship with the health professional early.

This section covers:

• Why introductions are important
• How a carer can introduce themselves to health professionals
• What you, as the patient, can do to help to establish a good working relationship with your carer and health professional.

We will also discuss how to manage what information is shared with your carer and your wider network of family and friends.