NatiaCares Self Advocacy Tips

Although you are responsible for your own health and wellbeing, getting what you need usually means a trip to the doctors, meaning that your care depends upon the conversations you have with medical professionals. Follow our self-advocacy tips below to make sure that you get the most out of your time in the hospital or doctor’s office!

• Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. If you don’t understand something, ask them to explain again.

• Ask for information to be written down.

• If you are refused a treatment or further investigation, or your concerns are dismissed, ask for this decision to be formally recorded in your medical records.

• Stay calm. Try cancer-specific meditation practices like the ones on the  NatiaCares cancer support app before your appointment, so your head is clear.

• Come prepared. Do your research and keep all your medical notes in a folder that you take to every appointment. Keep a personal glossary in it.

• Keep a journal of what you and your doctor have spoken about.

Have we missed anything?  If you think of any more self-advocacy tips, please contact us via email: info@natiacares.com.

Thank you for reading – hope this helps!