Has the way patients are connecting with medical professionals changed forever?
Continued access to regular medical consultations by phone, video and in person. Saving time, and expense and less disruption to everyday activities. Easier access to regular appointments. Reducing waiting times and allowing Doctors to prioritise and reach more patients.
Whilst hospitals catch up on the most critically ill and vulnerable many are continuing to utilise pandemic programmes. Phone and video consultations are not without their difficulties. But in many cases, they can be highly effective.
Patients are less affected by the hospital environment. The stress of travel is reduced. The worry of being late removed. The packed waiting areas are avoided. Guessing, hoping you are the next one in. Stress levels increasing.
Patient/Dr relationships could be challenged. The ability to be able to request a face-to-face. Or the consultant wishing to see a patient they are concerned about. The chance to alternate between the different options.
A change in the way health is managed. Especially those with LTHCs who often have multi-disciplinary teams. Guidance for those with existing health conditions by Age UK goes through some key changes and how to manage them.
For example, If you don’t have access to video options or you have a hearing impairment that makes things more difficult. Talk to the Dr or hospital in advance to see what help can be offered.
More misunderstandings could take effect. Clarification may be required. People with some conditions will find it extremely difficult not to be in the same room as their consultant. Whereas others will be more than happy to take a phone call from home. Reducing the risk of infection through mixing with other people, especially for those who are clinically vulnerable.
A recent trip to my GP practice showed some lessons learnt. Sample and prescription boxes outside to reduce the footprints inside. Big open spaces. Screens are still in place. Access to medical support through iPads. Large touch screens for checking in. Even encouragement to remove our masks. Stating we need to learn to live with COVID and not be as scared by it.
Getting the most out of your appointment
No matter which way you have an appointment it requires a bit of thinking and preparation. Be very clear about what you want to say — ensure you update on other areas — have those questions ready. Control what you can.
Remember to have someone with you if you are concerned. They can act as great support, offering reassurance and having input if you are fading or have forgotten things.
Top tips for a successful phone call appointment
Ensure you have somewhere quiet
Choose somewhere that has a good phone signal
Use the speaker function or headphones — leaving your hands free to write answers to questions or tick off what you have already asked.
Clarify anything you are unsure of — it’s easy to misunderstand or get confused.
Top Tips for a video call
Follow the instructions carefully — these should be in your letter. There's also an option to ‘practice’ signing in.
You will still be in a ‘waiting room’ so don’t expect your appointment exactly on time
Find somewhere comfortable
Ensure you have a good internet connection
Good lighting
Top tips for a hospital trip
Leave plenty of time
Plan your day out well
More people are back to visiting and appointments so car parks can become more congested again.
Remember your mask — coronavirus protection is still in place at medical centres
If you have COVID symptoms do not attend. Ring the hospital to re-arrange.
New ways to connect
Some hospitals and consultants are now happy to correspond with patients via email. It’s worth checking your appointment letter. Then if you have something you have forgotten or the letter you receive contains something you don’t understand you have an alternative and quick way to check.
Value and Impact
Remember these appointments are valuable. We have learnt so much from the pandemic. Every minute you get is precious. Make the most of it. You can never tell when the next one will be. Some clinics will book you in before you leave. Others won’t. Some won’t have any clinics scheduled, so having a method of contact is needed.
Be aware that not all letters get through to the Doctors with many secretaries still working remotely and so delays occur. Makes it very hard for a GP to support you properly should you need anything. Your own notes could be invaluable.
Summary
Finally, make sure you check what kind of appointment you have. If you are scheduled for a video call and turn up at the hospital you won’t be seen. You could end up sitting in a car park or hospital corridor connecting through your phone. Leading to a poor outcome, stress and increased footfall within the hospital.
Get your preparation right and make the most of what you have. We never know when our next opportunity will be so got to try and grab onto whatever we can get.
*Please remember that these blogs are very real to us. We are on the same journey. It’s tough, slow and frustrating. Most of the Scenarios we face ourselves. Sometimes we find what we print useful. Other times we don’t. It’s included because everyone's journey is different. We have passionate perseverance to help others. To dispose of all content would be a waste and a disservice to our readers.