Appointments

It is important to build an equal relationship with your healthcare team. But it is up to you to make the most of any appointment.

You need to be sure that you understand and feel confident about any treatment you are given.

• Appointments tend be short – 10 minutes at most – so make sure you raise the most important matters first. Bringing a list with you can help
• Be direct – even if you find a subject embarrassing. Your doctor wants to help. If you prefer, write the problem down
• If you do not understand something, say so – and ask for a more detailed explanation
• Don’t be afraid to carry out your own research. However, while doctors value information, they haven’t got time to read volumes of information printed off the internet. Be selective
• If any treatment does not seem to be working or if you feel it is not right for you, say so
  
• Making notes during the consultation can help, as can asking for leaflets giving more information
  
• It may help to take a friend or relative along
  
• If your doctor prescribes a drug, make sure you know why you are taking it, how it works, whether there are any side effects and how long you should take it for
  

Remember that you can always ask for a second opinion. You can ask your GP to refer you to a rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon. If you see a member of a consultant's team and do not feel happy about the information or treatment you are given, you can always ask to see the consultant directly.

If you see many different health professionals then make sure you share information about your medication with them all. 

Questions to ask

The Department of Health has developed a factsheet to help everyone get the best out of their appointment. 

Download Questions to ask.

You can also read the factsheet in easy read formats and other languages.