Decisions Need to be Made.

Posted on August 2, 2022

Emotions get in the way when changes in your health status (accident, incident, or multiple diagnosis), require decision making. No matter what the situation, it is inevitable the individual is going to be overwhelmed and exhausted. It doesn’t make a difference how knowledgeable you are about health and the healthcare system. Anyone finding themself in a health care related crisis simply does not, at least initially, have the capacity to fully hear or absorb what is being said.

Emotions get in the way when changes in your health status (accident, incident such as a stroke, or multiple diagnosis), require decision making. No matter what the situation, it is inevitable the individual is going to be overwhelmed and exhausted.

It doesn’t make a difference how knowledgeable you are about health and the healthcare system. Anyone finding themself in a health care related crisis simply does not, at least initially, have the capacity to fully hear or absorb what is being said.

Research shows that half of all patients don't comply with the treatment plan their physician outlines. Many patients are overwhelmed so focused on the verdict (cancer or surgery is needed) they are unable to pay attention to everything the doctor is saying.

I know this to be true from personal experience. Upon learning of severe deuteration of my C3 and C4 vertebra, I was advised by the physician not to fall and to get to the office asap for a conversation. What I learned later that day, definitely had the potential to be life-changing. I was most fortunate that Friday afternoon as my most patient doctor responded to each of my many questions I asked (often more than once) to begin processing both the seriousness of my situation and her frank prognosis. Eight years post op, I am blessed to be in the best shape of my life.

Anxiety and stress effects how we process information. Fear prevents or obstructs rational thinking. Doubt has you second guessing everything. While listening to the treatment plan being presented, you’re wondering if this is the best direction, the best option? Is the doctor 100% sure about diagnosis and prognosis?

As you begin to process, guilt influences everything, often followed by anger. Why is this happening? Could I have prevented this? How is this going to change not only my life but those I care about as well? What about the risk of the procedure, particularly if it is complicated? What is the cost – is it going to eat through our savings?

Uncertainty is expected. While this is business as usual for members of your healthcare team, you begin to appreciate you are you are in foreign territory. They are always in a hurry. Quick to dispense the diagnosis – showing you x-ray or scan results to let you know what’s going on, followed by what needs to happen to correct or repair the situation. S/he or they then wait, sometimes patiently, sometimes not, expecting a decision.

Be advised, this the time to “. . . slooow the train down.” With everything happening so fast, decision making tends to take the path of least resistance instead of achieving best desired outcomes. Take a breath. Regroup. Ask questions. Have a trusted someone by your side who is able to objectively assess.

Any time, particularly in today’s health care environment where approximately 15 million American’s undergo some sort of surgery, nearly one-third develop a complication[i],Where 1 out of 20 outpatient adults, about five percent of the adult population are affected by medical diagnostic errors.[ii] Now more than ever. . . has there ever been . . . a time to have a level-headed family member, friend or professional to advocate by your side.

Select wisely. At a time when communication is key. Appreciate this individual will advocate for you. S/he needs to have the ability to actively listen at a time when your capacity to hear all of the conversation, is diminished. Your advocate should make sure to have complete an understanding of the diagnosis, treatment plan, and expected outcome (prognosis) by asking questions you have not yet thought of.

Should you be concerned about, or unable to identify a trusted someone in your circle who has knowledge or experience with navigating the healthcare system, having a professional patient advocate should be considered. With knowledge and experience, this advocate will be able to discern if the prescribed course of action is best option, or if there are other alternatives, by asking deeper level – the type questions that need to be asked.

An excellent communicator, a professional advocate is often is a medical professional or someone who has significant experience navigating healthcare of behalf of clients. Unlike a case manager or social worker, is employed by the hospital, rehab or other facility advocate’s center of attention is the patient, either yourself or a loved one.

S/he is focused on easing the burden the patient is experiencing while attempting to navigate through the healthcare system, where there is little familiarity. This advocate works to empower the patient by providing background knowledge of the system, along with an awareness of options so that the patient (or sometimes family) has the confidence in understanding, then voicing care goals and choices.

The advocate also provides direct assistance in healthcare access, working with members of the care team to coordinate patient care.

Overwhelmed. No idea where to start. We do. Visit: www.patientadvocatesofswfl.com to learn more. Should you have specific questions, click under the Appointments tab to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation or directly through this link: Appointments - Patient Advocates of SW Florida