Good health care means asking the right questions

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Effective communication makes a critical difference in receiving successful medical attention. But patients often feel inadequate about their ability to speak intelligently with their doctors, or they expect doctors and other medical professionals to take the initiative in steering a conversation in the right direction.

Patients might also be embarrassed about talking about certain symptoms or health problems, or they might not want to admit to unhealthful activities. As a result, their issues go untreated.

The sooner a patient develops and uses effective communication skills with his or her medical team, the better and stronger the relationships that lead to the best health outcome possible.

A good place to start effective communication is with respect for both the medical professional and for oneself. Patients need to face their fears and apparent failings (such as not taking prescribed medication or engaging in unhealthful habits) so that the doctor can have as full a health picture as possible.

All patients have questions about their conditions, the latest medical headlines or information gleaned from others and the Internet. Understanding that another appointment might be necessary to handle the questions is one way to get answers. Also, framing questions in a nonthreatening manner and a normal tone of voice will be more effective than asking accusatorily or from a stance of defiance.