Communicating With Health Professionals

During any illness there is the need to talk with health professionals. Talking openly is important. It will lead to a better understanding of the situation and any needs and concerns. For example, health professionals don’t always understand the complexities of the family carer’s responsibilities.

Often a number of health professionals are involved in caring for the person who is ill. This may mean a number of conversations about their medical condition and how everyone is coping. This can be difficult if there are different opinions from the health professionals over time. It might be helpful to ask to communicate with only one or two health professionals who are accessible to talk to. This will help to avoid repeating information and reduce any confusion or mixed messages.

In some families conversations are held openly between all members. In others, family members accept that one or two key people have the information and this is shared when considered appropriate. The person who is ill may not want certain people to be aware of what is happening. Let health professionals know who they can and can't share information with.

Sometimes there are differences in ways people communicate. This can be between generations for example. In some cultures, the person who is ill may ask a family member to act as their representative. It is then not considered appropriate that the person who is ill is spoken to directly by health professionals. Talk to a health professional if someone is to act on behalf of the person who is ill or the family carer. Ensure that the person who is ill has asked that this happen.

This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011