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According to Burden of Serious Harms From Diagnostic Error In The USA from BMJ Quality & Safety in 2023, it is estimated that each year over 795,000 americans die or are permanently disabled by diagnostic errors. There are many reasons why clinicians to disregard their patients’ concerns such as doctors having limited time to fully understand those concerns due to the high patient ratio most hospitals face due to being under staff, or patients having unrealistic expectations when visiting. Nevertheless, doctors should carefully investigate patients and their symptoms.
There are people whose chronic symptoms have been ignored by doctors for years. Those who face the long-term effects of dismissal, such as women (and especially women of color) may experience consequences such as debilitating complications or death. And while not all ailments lead to this, it can be upsetting for someone to put the time and energy into visiting a doctor, only to be told that their concerns do not matter and leaving the appointment questioning their pain and their reality.
When your symptoms are not taken into consideration by your assigned doctor or nurse, it’s time to change how you communicate with them. This is not to say that you should force your doctor to comply with your demands, but to help them understand the full weight of your condition, which in turn will create a better relationship with your doctor. Here are some ways to express your concerns when you feel like you’re not being heard:
SHARE WHAT IT WAS LIKE BEFORE YOU EXPERIENCED YOUR SYMPTOMS.
Did you have more energy before your symptoms manifested? Were you able to concentrate for longer periods of time? Explaining how your life has changed, no matter how small, can give your physician an idea about how you had to adjust since developing your symptoms.
ADD MORE DETAILS WHEN DESCRIBING YOUR SYMPTOMS.
Do you feel a sharp or dull pain? When does this experience occur? How long do your symptoms last? It is beneficial for you to convey the full scope of your condition, such as intensity, frequency, and duration. Your doctor cannot piece together what you are going through unless you provide details and context of your symptoms.
BRING AN ALLY.
A family member or friend who has witnessed your illness and its impact on your life will be a powerful ally and advocate for you if you feel unheard during the appointment.
ASK FOR OPTIONS.
If your doctor cannot find the cause of your symptoms, then ask for strategies on how to manage your symptoms, such as what to do if the symptoms get worse, or when should you expect the symptoms to stop. Both you and your doctor need to be on the same page on what the following months should look like for you and your symptoms. You should discuss expectations and goals within a generally defined timeline.
GET A SECOND OPINION.
Doctors should not be offended if their patients ask for a second opinion. You can ask for a referral to a different doctor, or a specialist, who can help you with your specific needs.
BE PERSISTENT.
If your concerns are not adequately addressed, then restate your situation and symptoms, and clearly explain that the appointment has not covered what you are worried about. You came into the appointment with the hope of getting a better understanding of what you’re experiencing.
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a trailblazer. So, it was tragic that she passed away December 31, 2023 after her surgical incision became infected during her stay at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, as reported by AP News, Medical Negligence Caused Death of Former Texas US Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Attorney Says. According to the article her son, Kirk Johnson received a call from his mother telling him that she did not receive any help after using the call button. Johnson looked for the CEO Pete McCanna for help as he could not find nurses nearby. When both came back, they found the congresswoman tended to by staff members. Following surgery to repair the congresswoman’s infected wound, she was transferred to a nursing facility and later home for recovery. The congresswoman’s passing is an unfortunate reminder for healthcare of the importance of proactive care and staffing of skilled clinicians.