Q. Going to the emergency room, even when the reason isn’t life-threatening, is often a scary experience. How can a nervous patient stay calm so that they’re able to effectively participate in their care?
A. Doctors understand that the emergency department can be completely overwhelming for people. We want patients to know that when we’re in front of you, you are our sole focus. We are there for you. Try to remember that our goal with your visit is to make sure you are comfortable with what’s happening and that you understand what it is we may be worried about and what we’re trying to rule out. So even though the environment might be chaotic, we are trained to cut out the noise and focus entirely on you.
By no means do patients need any knowledge of medicine to be part of their own healthcare team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand something, for instance, why a test is being ordered, what your follow-up care will be, why a medication is being given, or what you’ll need to watch for at home, just ask ‘Can you explain that again in a way that I’ll understand?’
Another important way that patients can advocate for themselves is by making sure the healthcare team knows your important information. Be prepared with details like which medications you’re on, any allergies you have, previous medical conditions, and a timeline of the symptoms that brought you in. If you have a trusted person who understands your medical history, bring them with you or ask them to meet you at the emergency room.
