Part 4: How carers can help in consultations

How carers can help after the consultation:

Carers can also provide useful support after a consultation. Below are some ideas of how they can be involved.

Carers can debrief with you:

• You can discuss with your carer what happened in the consultation, and share any thoughts or feelings. Often people in the same conversation can hear, interpret and remember things differently, so it is a good idea to discuss what you both heard and understood.
• Carers can help with any follow up actions required, for example booking further appointments.

Carers can share updates with your family and friends (depending on how much you would like them to share):

• Carers are often asked to update other family and friends about the patient’s condition.
• It is a good idea to have a conversation about what information (if any) you are happy to be shared.
• It’s ok if you don’t want to share information widely. Do whatever feels comfortable for you.