Active aging also means taking an active role in managing your health care. Communicating
effectively with your healthcare providers is an essential element in receiving
good medical care. A Canadian not-for-profit organization called “Patient
Destiny” is trying to change the way we communicate about our personal health
information.
According to Kevin J. Leonard, Founder of Patient Destiny, there is
an inevitable evolution taking place in health care which is rooted in the fact
that patients are beginning to demand immediate and timely access to their own personal
health information. Patients want this access so they can partner effectively with
healthcare providers in the management of their health and wellness. The ultimate
goal of Patient Destiny is an informed patient: a person who has all the appropriate
information in hand and able to work within the system to obtain the best healthcare
services and outcomes. Ideally, YOU set the agenda and your medical team will consult
with YOU by providing advice and recommendations that are in your best interests.
How to Connect with your Health Care Provider
Before your appointment:
- Write down all your questions. Put the most important questions first;
- Have you been hospitalized since your last appointment? If so, bring your discharge
summary;
- Make a list of all prescription and non-prescription medications (over-the-counter
medicines, herbal remedies and vitamins) you are taking, including the dosages.
Or, you could put all of your current medications into a bag and bring them to your
appointment;
- Bring a list of all your allergies – particularly to medications with you;
- If you think that you may have difficulty remembering what is said during your appointment,
arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you.
Discuss your concerns
Medical offices are usually very busy; you may find it difficult to discuss your
personal health challenges. It’s often hard to hear and remember a lot of new information
and instructions all at once. Do not be intimidated by the doctor’s busy schedule
– your health is your most valuable asset and deserving of their time and attention.
To help you manage the situation:
- Take notes, record the session or ask for important information to be written down
for you;
- Speak up and if you can’t understand the response say things like:
- “Please speak more slowly and clearly.”
- “I don’t understand. Could you repeat that please?”
- “Please give me more time to answer.”
- Describe your worst problem first;
- Discuss personal issues which are affecting
- Request another appointment if you don’t have enough time.
One can argue that no one cares as much about your health as you do.
Take control of your healthcare.
Having the right information when talking to your doctor is the first step to making
the most of your time, and your health. TELUS recognizes this, and is bringing new
solutions to Canadians to help them take control of their health information in
powerful new ways.
Clinically-proven health coaching when you need it.
Living with a chronic disease can be challenging, and there is an overwhelming amount
of information out there about how best to manage it. Your doctor can treat you
when you need it, but daily choices play a big part in your health. Your doctor
may give you brochures and other information, but what if you had access to advice
and coaching every minute of the day – right when you need it?
Put your doctor in your pocket.
TELUS now offers a unique service that brings clinically-proven advice on how to
manage your chronic disease to mobile phones. Think of it as your health diary (like
when your doctor asks you to track your blood sugar and report back to him), but
one that “talks back” with helpful advice and coaching. Your phone will prompt you
to take the vital sign measurements your doctor has asked for and then give you
feedback about how you’re doing, advice on what to eat, and when to call your doctor.
Knowing what to do and when to do it is the first step towards taking control of
your health. Not even doctors can remember everything; they rely on resources to
help them make the best decisions for their patients. Now you can have access to
clinically-proven advice on how to manage your chronic condition right in the palm
of your hand. It’s like having your doctor in your pocket. Always available, ready
with advice to help you make smart choices when it matters. A qualified We Care
nurse can monitor your results, so you can rest assured that a certified health
professional is watching over you, ready to intervene when required.
Take control of your health today and be healthier tomorrow.
If you have diabetes, COPD, asthma, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure
or are being treated for cancer call us today to talk about how to take back control
of your health. A We Care nurse can get you started on the program. It’s fast and
easy, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your health.
For more information about how to get started on this program, call Sue Kelly, Director
of Health and Wellness at 416-922-5387 extension 133 or email:
sue_kelly@wecare.ca.
TELUS Health Space: put all your health information in one place
Think of it as your secure electronic filing cabinet; put information in yourself,
or allow health professionals to put your information in directly, or even allow
family members access. With TELUS Health Space, there are no more notebooks, scraps
of paper or calling around for your records. Just all the healthcare information
you and your doctor need in one place. Now that’s simple.
My Vital Signs
We Care has developed a ‘cheat sheet’ to help you to get to know your vital signs.
The My Vital Signs form explains what the readings mean, what range
is generally recommended and provides a space for you to write the range recommended
by your Doctor. Print your own “My Vital Signs” form and use it to start a discussion
with your Doctor.
My Health Record
Order your complimentary My Health Record booklet – and start to
record all your health information. Personalize it with your family history, current
health status, tests, procedures, specialists and medications, etc. We Care will
also send you a handy fridge magnet free of charge. Call 1-877-853-1195
or click here or order online.