Doctor shares tips for better patient communication

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - A local physician is offering practical advice for patients who feel intimidated or nervous about communicating with their doctors during medical appointments.

Dr. Kim Stooke with WVU Medicine Camden Clark said one of the most common mistakes patients make is viewing communication as one-sided.

“I think the mistake is that you’re going to the doctor for the doctor to tell you something,” Dr. Stooke said. “It is so important for us to get the information from the patient as well so that we can make a proper diagnosis and evaluation.”

Preparing for appointments

Dr. Stooke recommended patients prepare before their appointments by writing down their concerns and questions a couple days in advance.

“What are the most important things you want to share with your doctor? What are the things that you’re concerned about?” Dr. Stooke said. “Actually, write them down. Don’t just think you’re going to remember them. Because when you get in the exam room, you know there’s a certain amount of time and you’re like, oh, I can’t remember.”

When concerns feel dismissed

Dr. Stooke said patients should speak up if they feel their concerns are being overlooked but noted that doctors may be focusing on more urgent health issues.

“It may not be that your provider’s dismissing things. It may be that they’re picking up something else in the conversation that was actually more important to them,” Dr. Stooke said. “If there’s something you’re wondering about, just ask them. Say, could we go back and revisit that topic? Because it’s important to me.”

For complicated visits involving test results, Dr. Stooke suggested bringing someone along as an advocate.

“I always say 4 years are better than two years,” Dr. Stooke said. “You may both hear different things and understand a bigger picture when you get home.”

Dr. Stooke acknowledged that health care can be intimidating but encouraged patients to advocate for themselves.

“Take a deep breath, speak up for yourself, advocate for yourself, and make sure that you feel listened to before you leave,” Dr. Stooke said.

She also cautioned patients against assuming information from apps or online sources is accurate and encouraged asking questions rather than making assumptions.

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