The Star-Gazette
by Kathy Welsh

Raritan Valley Community College nursing students Diane Hiel of White Township, Cindy malik of Washington Borough, Carol Stanek of Flemington and Stacy Kenny of Hillsborough believe patients are capable of having more control over their healthcare than they realize.

As part of a classroom project, the nursing team was asked to identify a problem in the mdeical field and come up with a solution. The main problem identified was that patients do not research their condition before they see their healthcare specialist. In addition, they also noticed there was a lack of communication between patients and their healthcare providers. To help improve the situation, the four created an information pamphlet for patients to read before they are hospitalized. The pamphlet is entitle "Information on How to Become Your Own Advocate and Communicate with Healthcare Providers."

"We have created a hospital admission packet with concise information and questions and answers," said Warren Hospital LPN and nursing student Diane Hiel. The students also prepared a public service announcement for 96.1 CAT country radio station. "It's important for patients to have information before they are hospitalized," Hiel noted. Patients must educate themselves by researching libraries or the Internet, or by asking staff members at hospitals for information, she said. "This shows you are concerned with what your condition is." She added that it is best to be well informed since many doctors cannot keep up with all the latest treatments.

The group of future RNs did some research on their own to prepare the information for their pamphlet. "We searched the Internet, professional journals and also case studies," said Hiel. "We also hear families talking," said Hackettstown Community Hospital LPN and nursing student Cindy Malik, "and they cannot grasp what is happening to their family members or themselves." Many patients do not understand, Malik added, why certain tests are done or what the correlation is between tests and their conditions.

Patients are also very intimidated by doctors and nurses, the students said. Many medical professionals speak in medical terms and patients are too embarassed to ask their doctors to explain the illness or treatment. "The doctor is your paid consultant," said Malik. "You should be asking questions. This opens up the communication between patient and doctor. If you come into your doctor's office and are well prepared, this will enhance the service your medical provider can provide for you and also enhance your relationship with your doctor." Hiel said, "If a doctor is not willing to discuss your care, get someone else."

The first step in becoming part of your healthcare team is to give your healthcare provider all possible medical information. For example, they said, list symptoms you are experiencing and state the circumstances under which you experience them. Include whether factors such as activity or rest influence them. Next, make a list of all the medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications, why you are taking them and what influence they have on your symptoms. "If you cannot state why you are taking them, you should not be on them," they said. Bring information you have gathered, such as Internet resources, and ask questions you have prepared. also review the information with your doctor. Consider asking someone you trust to accompany you during doctor visits. You may also want to take a tape recorder if no one is available.

Some questions you may want to ask are: What is my diagnosis? What types of tests are recommended to monitor or confirm this diagnosis? What are my treatment options? Do I need to make special changes to my diet? Where can I find more information about this diagnosis? Will I need to see a specialist?

Communicating with your healthcare provider effectively can help reduce a patient's anxiety, which may help in recovery time since the patient now understands what is happening and why.

"Empower yourself, be assertive, ask questions and fully understand your condition and treatment options. The only dumb question is the one not asked," said Hiel and Malik.