Guidesmith

It’s important for patients to exercise their right to participate in medical decisions, so that their treatment reflects their goals and priorities. However, being diagnosed with a serious medical condition can throw anyone into overload. Just when people most need their coping skills, these may be out of reach. We’re here to help patients participate effectively in their treatment decisions. Our primary service in this area is Consultation Planning and Recording. (Collaborators may access more information on how to provide Consultation Planning and Recording in the CP&R Member area of Guidesmith.)

CONSULTATION PLANNING AND RECORDING SERVICES

“Helping you make the most of your medical appointments”

Why Consultation Planning and Recording?

In going to medical appointments, have you ever been advised to:

• make a list of questions?

• bring a friend along to take notes?

• take a tape recorder so you can record the doctor’s advice and information and replay it later?

We think this advice is important, so we provide, on a limited basis, a supportive service to help you get these things done.

Studies show that Consultation Planning and Recording and other similar services are associated with improved doctor-patient communication, satisfaction, and decision quality. The service is free of charge but subject to availability of one of our trained staff or volunteers.

What it involves: A trained member of our staff will help you through a step-by-step process to create a well-organized, written list of questions for your next medical visit. This process takes about one hour. Then the staff member will accompany you to your appointment, audiorecord it, create a written summary, and help ensure that you remember to cover all the topics in your Consultation Plan. Consultation Planners and Recorders are available by appointment. Consultation Planning and Recording is free of charge, funded by grants and donations. Consultation Planning and Recording was developed by Jeff Belkora and colleagues in close collaboration with patients and community resource centers.

What you need: Bring a list of issues you already know you want to discuss with your doctor, as well as any notes you’ve taken and medical reports or test results that might help you think of questions. Also, you are welcome to bring along family members or friends who can help think through your questions and concerns.

What you get: Before the appointment, you get a typed list of questions and concerns summarizing the issues you would like to discuss with your doctor. Your doctor also receives this list in advance. After your appointment, you get a summary of the doctor’s advice. You also get an audio recording of your consultation.

Please note that Consultation Planners and Recorders do not answer any of your specific medical questions, nor can they tell you what issues to bring up with your physician or give you any medical advice. However, they can prompt you to think about questions you might have on a wide range of topics.

Summary of Consultation Planning prompts:

Situation	What questions or concerns do you have about your situation?
Choices	What questions or concerns do you have about which choices to consider?
Objectives	What are your objectives?
People	Who are the key people you want to include or exclude in making decisions?
Evaluation	How do your choices affect your objectives?
Decisions	Which choice is best for you?

 

Visit the UCSF Breast Care Center site for more information about Decision Services. Or, continue to browse Guidesmith's tour of UCSF Decision Services.