Good Questions for Good Health

Health Information Can Be Confusing

• Everyone wants help with health information

• You are not alone if you find health information confusing at times

• Asking questions helps you understand how to stay well or to get better

It Is Important to Be Prepared to Talk to Your Health Care Provider- Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist–

• Don’t Be Nervous to Ask Questions

Your Health Care ProvidersWant to Help You to Know…

• ..all you can about your condition and medication

• ..why this is important for your health

• ..steps to take to keep your condition under control

Ask Your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist

During your next health care visit ask 3 good questions for your good health:

What is my main problem?

What do I need to do?

Why is it important for me to do this?

What is my main problem?

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will provide you with a diagnosis

What do I need to do?

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will provide you with a treatment plan

Why is it important for me to do this?

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will let you know what can happen if you do not follow the treatment plan

Who needs to Ask 3?

• Everyone who wants to take better care of their health

• If you want to understand what your health problem is and how to treat it

Who Wants to Answer 3?

Your medical team – your doctor, nurse and pharmacist –wants you to know the information you need to better manage your and your family’s health

When Do I Ask the 3 Questions?

• When you see your doctor, nurse or pharmacist

• When you prepare for a medical test or procedure

• When you pick up your medicine

What if I Ask and I Still Don’tUnderstand?

• Let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know if you still don’t understand what you need to do

• You might say: “This is new to me. Will you please explain that to me one more time?”

It Is Important That You Get the Information

That You Need to Manage Your Health

Questions?

For more information please visit the National Patient Safety

Foundation

http://www.npsf.org/