Preparing for Clinic Appointments
Whether you are attending a GP appointment, a consultation with a specialist at an outpatient appointment or a mental health assessment, you can prepare in advance. This will help you to get the most out of time with the health professional.
Make some notes before you appointment of things you would like to discuss in your appointment and take these notes with you on the day. during your appointment.
Do not be afraid to ask questions about anything you find unclear. Let the health professional explain it to you until you are sure you understand. If you like, take someone with you for support.
Top Tips
Before your appointment
- Write down your 2 or 3 questions you wold like to ask.
- List or bring all your medication - including any vitamins or supplements.
- Write down details of your symptoms and include when they started and what makes them better or worse.
- Ask a friend or family member to come with you for support, if you like.
During your appointment
- During your appointment, do not be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand something.
- If you do not understand any words, ask for them to be written down and explained.
- Write things down, or ask a family member or friend to take notes for you.
Before you leave your appointment
Check:
- You have covered everything on your list.
- You understand, for example: "Can I just check I understood what you said?"
- You know what should happen next – and when. Write it down.
Ask:
- Who to contact if you have any more problems or questions.
- About support groups and where to go for reliable information.
After your appointment
- Write down what you discussed and what happens next.
- Book any tests that you can and put the dates in your diary.
Ask:
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What happens if I'm not sent future appointment details?
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Can I have the results of any tests? Ask what the results mean. If you do not get the results when you expect them, what should you do.
Last updated13 Aug 2024