It can sometimes be easier to deal with going to the doctor when you have extra support. Next time you need to talk to a doctor, try bringing a loved one along. This could include a parent, child, partner, caregiver, close friend, or neighbour.
Telemedicine — using technology to have remote visits with a health care provider — makes it easier than ever before to include other people in your doctor’s visit. You don’t even need to be in the same location as your loved one to join them on a video call!
A family member or friend may be able to help you before, during and after your healthcare visit.
Prior to your appointment, ask a loved one if they’d be willing to accompany you. It may help to have a discussion ahead of time to help them understand what the visit is about. You could also ask your loved one to help you make a list of questions you’d like to ask or think of any new symptoms or health issues you want your doctor to be aware of.
While you’re talking to the doctor, your loved one may be able to help you by:
Once the visit is over, your loved one can help you remember what your doctor recommended. They can also help you understand your diagnosis and how to use any treatments that your doctor suggested. If you need to decide between multiple treatment options, you could also ask your friend or family member to help you weigh the benefits and risks.
While having a loved one at your appointment can help, remember that your visit is all about you and your needs. When possible, talk to your doctor yourself rather than relying on your loved one to do it for you. Make sure your friend or family member also knows not to bring up any of their own health concerns during your appointment — they will need to schedule a separate visit for that.
Many telemedicine tools enable your loved ones to also connect with your doctor during your visit. For example, you, your parent, and your doctor could all talk over a video call despite being located in different areas!
The steps you need to take to add a loved one to your visit may vary by platform. For example, you may need to first share your health records with your family member or friend. Then, when you have an appointment, they may automatically be sent a link that they can click on to join your call. If you’re not sure how to include a loved one in a visit, reach out to your telemedicine provider.
Even if your loved one didn’t attend your virtual visit, you can still use telemedicine tools to communicate your health issues with them. When you continue to use the same telehealth platform over time, all of your medical information will be stored in one place and can be easily shared with another person. This can allow a loved one or caregiver to help you remember a doctor’s advice, keep track of your medication, or recall your past medical history.
Ultimately, having someone by your side during a healthcare visit can allow you to get some much-needed support when dealing with a medical condition.