Studies show that adherence is one of the most important factors in prevention, health maintenance, and recovery from illness. Yet many patients don’t do what the doctor recommends.
Although this advice might sound simplistic, your good health really does begin with you -- the patient. All the modern medicines, high-tech devices, and highly trained healthcare professionals can’t help if you don’t help yourself by being a good patient.
Unfortunately, too many people do not take their patient responsibilities seriously. Studies consistently show that a large percentage of patients -- 50% or more in some cases -- either don’t take their medication at all or don’t take it as prescribed. Many patients don’t even bother to fill the first prescription. And the track record for following recommended lifestyle changes -- diet, exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation -- is probably even worse. Missed or cancelled doctor’s appointments, lack of regular health checkups, and failure to get recommended preventive care -- such as blood pressure and cholesterol measurements -- also are commonplace.
Following instructions, however, is only one aspect of being a good patient. A good patient is also informed and involved. Here’s what this means.
A good patient stays informed -- openly communicating with your doctor or other healthcare provider:
- Answer questions honestly and completely. If you don’t understand a question, say so.
- Volunteer information about your health if you’re not asked about it. Something that might seem trivial to you could be meaningful to your doctor.
- Don’t be reluctant to ask questions.
- Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.
A good patient stays involved -- taking responsibility for your healthcare. For example:
- Appointments. Show up on time and be prepared to discuss your health with your doctor (for example, have a list of your symptoms, medications you are taking, and questions you want answered).
- Tests. Ask your doctor for the results of any measurements tests performed in his or her office (such as your blood pressure). If your doctor requests lab work, x-rays, or other types of tests, promptly make an appointment for the tests and be sure to keep the appointment. Follow up with the doctor’s office to learn the results.
- Medications. Whenever you get a prescription for a new medication, your doctor or other healthcare provider should tell you what the medication does, how to take it, and the possible side effects.
- Always let your doctor know about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medications as well as vitamins and supplements.
- Take medication as directed, paying careful attention to the number of daily doses required, the time of day the medication is to be taken, and the need to take the medication with food or liquids.
- Ask your doctor if the medication comes in a form that can be taken less frequently if you find the dosing schedule complicated or you are taking multiple drugs.
- Let your doctor know if another health condition is interfering with your ability to take medication.
- Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if a medication is too expensive for your budget. Your doctor might be able to prescribe a less expensive drug, a generic version of the drug, or a larger dose so that you can split the pills.
- Let your doctor know right away if you have any bothersome side effects.
- Never abruptly stop taking a medication without first asking your doctor.
- Never take another person’s medication and never give your medication to someone else.
