11 Comments
Do you think your diabetes healthcare provider uses language that is clear and easy to understand?
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WOW, 98% of diabetic patients think well of their healthcare provider. Sometimes, the healthcare providers learn from their patients too. So I always go to appointments with a list of questions seeking more knowledge. Sometimes they don’t have the answers, sometimes they do, but I appreciate the time they spend with me.
I do the same, Connie! To the question of the day, if I hear something I don’t understand, I ask. No stupid questions, only more knowledge…
I have an NP mainly for yearly bloodwork and prescription requests. I research and own everything I do for T1. I feel like half the time she doesn’t know what I’m talking about!
I answered yes. I also ask questions or restate the information in my own words to confirm understanding. I read for more information and a greater understanding. I have few trusted resources that I often rely on for accurate information.
I have come to believe that most providers tailor their language to the (perceived) understanding of the patient. I worked in hospitals for many years so I think I have a vocabulary that may be beyond my actual understanding at times. Providers may assume I have more knowledge than I do. I need to be careful not to nod and bluff my way through things I don’t understand so well. Often I don’t realize that I don’t understand until after the appointment.
Yes my PCP explain everything so I understand and yes he is also learning about my pump which is a ++for both of us
My previous endo was great! Sally (for me) she retired. I haven’t met my new endo yet so don’t know how communication will be.
Yes, in fact they talk down to me a little. I asked to speak to a nutritionist who said she wanted me to come to a group meeting. I told her no. By the end of our convo she agreed and said I could probably teach the class. When it means saving your own life, you tend to learn quick.
I think it depends on what “your healthcare provider” means. I have had doctors who are abysmal, but swiftly move on: I work with teams who treat me as a co-researcher. But outside the teams I control (control as in, I can move on) I find that too many providers of information are failing. Some by _not_ catering to those with a higher comprehension level. Others by not getting communication basics right. Today, for example, I have been trying to find advice on diet for a blind pre-diabetic (equivalent of what I can find online, let alone tailored to their other health issues which mean that my usual go-to recommendations for non-spiking snacks are ruled out. What this person needs is a dietician who understands blindness, not me.
My doc is a type 1 – he actually told me about this fabulous website – and he is so responsive. Whether its in person, or I pose a question or concern in the patient portal, he always gives me excellent direction. In addition, I have to say that even at times when I was down on myself for a too high A1c, he was kind and supportive. And he has been a cheerleader since it has been going down, down, down since I changed how and what I eat nearly two years ago. My last two visits, for the first time in my diabetic life (20+ years), my A1c was 7. (That may not be low for many of you, but consider that it was 13 before I got diagnosed.)
I never have any issues with communication with my medical team. If I don’t understand something, I just ask.