Getting the most out of your appointments
GP and hospital appointments
We know from our conversations with the public that some service users report feeling rushed during appointments and struggle to make themselves heard. The Patients Association have created a handy document for making the most out of your GP or hospital appointments, which you can download below.
This covers:
- Before your appointment
- During your appointment
- After your appointment.
The Patients Association is an independent patient charity campaigning for improvements in health and social care for patients.
Who is the guide for?
Before, during and after appointments, the guide is to help you, the patient:
- Ensure you are prepared
- Prevent things going wrong
- Steps you can take at each stage of your journey through the health and care system.
What is the aim of the guide?
To provide you with the knowledge and tools you need so that you are prepared to get the most out of your care.
This includes clear information about the best way to communicate, advice on sharing information, and how to fully understand your accessibility options. Consent is also an important part of the appointment process which this guide describes in detail.
In addition, they recommend reaching out to friends, family or colleagues for support throughout the process. When you fall ill or something about your health is worrying you, this can make you feel anxious or vulnerable. These feelings might increase if you are not sure how to approach your treatment and care with healthcare professionals. Remember to reach out for help if you can.
Downloads
Please download the following document for full guidance on how to get the most out of your GP appointments.