NHS HIGHLAND: There are no silly questions when it comes to your health
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By Dr Kate Arrow
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about our health and wellbeing.
We live in a world where we are bombarded with health information; through social media, from friends and our healthcare services.
It is common to feel a little lost, whether you are working to improve your own health, or navigating our health and social care systems. As doctors and other health professionals, we can be guilty of talking too much and when we share large volumes of information, evidence shows that it is harder for people to remember it accurately.
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In fact, evidence tells us that 40-80 per cent of medical information provided by healthcare practitioners is forgotten immediately.
In April, the NHS 24 released a campaign called ‘It’s OK to Ask’, aiming to encourage people to ask questions and take an active role in their health and care. ‘It’s OK to Ask’ provides guidance on how to ask questions about treatment options which then allows patients to be more involved and informed on the choices available.
It is a reminder that we, as individuals, have the right to ask questions, to seek clarification, and to participate in decisions concerning our health.
It is common to leave an appointment or a conversation and later remember a question you wish you had asked. As a doctor, I encourage patients to write down any questions and bring them to their appointments. There are some questions which are very easy to remember, which can help you to gather all the details you need and make a fully informed choice about tests, treatments or procedures.
These questions are promoted in the NHS 24 campaign and can be remembered by simply thinking about a healthy breakfast! Think BRAN: Benefits, Risks, Alternatives and Nothing.
• Question 1: What are the benefits of my treatment?
• Question 2: What are the risks of my treatment?
• Question 3: Any alternative treatments I can try?
• Question 4: What if I do nothing?
We understand that asking questions about your treatment options can be overwhelming, intimidating or even scary for some people. However, every question voiced is a step towards understanding and partnering in decisions about your own personal health. Whether it's seeking clarification on a medical diagnosis, exploring treatment options, or simply wanting to better understand preventive measures, every question asked is a step towards a healthier, more informed self.
The ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign and BRAN questions aim to make sure you fully understand what is going on with your care, and to make sure you are happy with your treatment plan. Our colleagues throughout the NHS are open to being asked questions like these, and I would like to encourage you to ask them whenever you have a chat about your health and care.
Having the answers to these questions will help you to make fully informed decisions and ensure that any treatment plan considers your own personal goals and preferences.
If you are at all unsure about any aspect of your treatment, remember ‘It’s OK to Ask’.
Dr Kate Arrow is a consultant anaesthetist and realistic medicine clinical lead at NHS Highland.
