- Get your main complaints/problems right, what is the real reason you want to visit the doctor. This will be the response to the opening question most doctors will ask you. What is wrong with you ? Or what brought you here today? Please don’t say am sick . You will actually be surprised the number of patients that give that answer each time they are asked that opening question.
- Try and figure out when exactly this problem started, it doesn’t have to be the exact duration, but it should at least be a good approximation, a 2 month illness is different from a 2 week illness.
- Now after this, you should be prepared to answer some direct yes/no questions ( and be honest, if you don’t understand the question, you can ask for the doctor to rephrase it. Some patients respond yes to virtually every question and vice versa, desist from that, it can compromise on the quality of care you get
- Now if there are any other minor issues that were not addressed , this is the time to tell the doctor. Because after this stage of direct questioning ( yes/no) most doctors would have made up or begin to make their minds as to what could be the cause of your problems/symptoms. (Diagnosis)
- And remember the cause (diagnosis) determines the treatment.
- Get a clear bag/file and put all your medical documents, neatly arranged. Various investigations, imagings and medications you are on. (both prescribed and over the counter (OTC)
- Be honest with your doctor , you might be tempted to say things you think your doctor wants to hear, this can compromise on the quality of care you get.
- In as much as possible, try and be comfortable, don’t be timid around your doctor. I have realised most Ghanaians gets fidgety in consulting rooms, doctors consultations are not interrogations, you haven’t committed a crime, try and relax.
- Please ask questions, we like it when patients are curious and want to know about their health.
- Finally, please know that doctors and nurses are not doing you a favour by attending to you, they are doing their job.
Useful Health Statistics 