How many times have you heard that “it’s just a routine procedure”? There are still risks with every medical and surgical procedure and it’s so important to ask questions and get clarity so you can make the best decision for you and your circumstances. I encourage EVERYONE to do your own research so you know what doctor or specialist would be best to go to and have questions ready to ask. Don’t blindly trust that a healthcare professional will know what is the best decision possible for YOU Take responsibility of your own healthcare journey and be involved in the decision making every step of the way so that you can get the best outcomes for yourself Article link:  https://www.mamamia.com.au/cate-campbell-periods/?utm_source=Mamamia.com.au%20-%20All%20Newsletters&utm_campaign=ba48e744bd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_12_01_09_16&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-ba48e744bd-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=ba48e744bd&mc_eid=2359ef4afe CONTACT ME Instagram: @yourwayhealthadvocacy Email: [email protected]

Have you ever had a healthcare provider scare you into something that you didn't want to do? Did you feel rushed? Or perhaps on reflection after it occurred, you could see how you were taken advantage of in a vulnerable situation that you found yourself in?  Why do you think it is that healthcare providers can't just give you all your options (WITHOUT BIAS!) so that you can make a well-informed decision for yourself?  And how can you combat this? Go into your appointments and procedures PREPARED.  Do the research, ask the questions, have the knowledge so that you're clear and know exactly what your options are and how the benefits outweigh the risks for you for your individual situation CONTACT ME  Instagram: @yourwayhealthadvocacy  Email: [email protected]

Moving on from last week's episode, I talk here about the way healthcare providers talk to you in critical situations or about you to your loved ones (and that could still be in front of you too!) and how it could impact your healthcare journey. If we are not happy or comfortable with the situation, we need to speak up so they know it is not acceptable. If nothing changes then nothing will change and we will continue to get the same treatment. Use your voice - it has power to change your healthcare journey for the better 🔥

The way a healthcare professional speaks to you and the language they use can make or break your experience.  They can be demanding and just tell you that "this is what is going to happen" without giving you any options or even asking for permission. The absence of a refusal doesn't mean consent was given.....you are mostly in a vulnerable position when these things are asked of you and you don't feel comfortable to say anything.  Please remember that you are in control of your healthcare journey so take back that power and make sure that you are OK with everything that is happening to you in your healthcare journey.   Speak up and ask questions to gain a better understanding so you can be comfortable with what is happening to you.  What's the worst thing that a clinician has said to you? Send me an email and let me know. CONTACT ME   Instagram: @yourwayhealthadvocacy   Email: [email protected]

There are so many ways that a healthcare provider may show their bias against you or towards a certain situation. Perhaps it's the way you look, the "routine" care they provide, a stigma attached to a certain condition you have or your age. What can you do? Speak up Be prepared for your appointments Ask questions Get a second opinion Provide feedback to the healthcare provider and/or healthcare service Contact me at [email protected] or send me a private message over on Instagram @yourwayhealthadvocacy to get your copy of a guide I've created for you to help be better prepared for your healthcare appointments.

Is your doctor or other healthcare provider doing what is best for YOU or what is best or easiest for them?   Have you ever felt bulldozed or railroaded into agreeing to a treatment plan you're not entirely comfortable with or completely understand?  Have you become complacent because you've known and trusted your doctor for so long and forgotten that you can questions their advice? What can you do to make sure that you are doing what is best for YOU and not anyone else -  BE PREPARED and don't accept that you have to do what they say or tell you to do Ask more questions to get the best healthcare outcome for you - find out why they think that this option is truly best for YOU. You deserve this! CONTACT ME  Instagram: @yourwayhealthadvocacy  Email: [email protected]

Hey wonderful people!  First up, remember to get your FREE copy of these tips in a detailed document I've created just for you!  Send me an email at [email protected] and I'll get this guide over to you ASAP Are you the type of person who turns up to appointments without having done anything to prepare?  How far has this got you up until now?  Make sure you are doing all you can to prepare for your appointment so that you can get the best outcome for yourself.  As the saying goes - "Nothing changes if nothing changes".  The doctor won't miraculously be able to read your mind to know every detail of your situation and what exactly you need clarified to gain a better understanding. You need to use your voice - speak up, ask questions and get clarity.  The healthcare system won't be changing any time soon so make sure you are using your time wisely at appointments - especially when you can be left waiting for hours after your scheduled appointment time until you finally get in to see your doctor! Let me know if you found any of this helpful, I'd love to know. Send me a DM on Instagram @yourwayhealthadvocacy  or send me an email at [email protected] And don't forget to grab your FREE copy of the guide to getting the most out of your time at medical appointments - just shoot me a message.

Are you concerned that you aren't getting the care you want?  Did you know you can ask for a referral to see another healthcare provider to get a second opinion? There is no need to worry about the healthcare provider's response to this - don't get caught up in what they MIGHT do or say. We all do what we can to get the best quality and safe outcomes when fixing our cars or building a house so why not treat our healthcare with the same concern?  Isn't our health more important?    CONTACT ME  Instagram: @yourwayhealthadvocacy  Email: [email protected]

Have you ever considered how your health information is stored?  Or what hospitals do to maintain your health privacy? Everyone is entitled to health privacy and there are many ways a health service will ensure your privacy is maintained when it comes to the storage of your information, transmission between health providers and the conversations that need to be had and how they are discussed when your health information is the topic. In this episode, I want to leave you with some things to get you thinking about your health privacy and remember if you feel like the privacy of your health information isn't being upheld, bring it to the attention of your doctor or someone within the healthcare facility. CONTACT ME instagram: @yourwayhealthadvocacy Email: [email protected]

A Patient Advocate supports a person on their health journey.  They can help patients navigate the healthcare system, make sense of their health condition and ensure they understand what is happening throughout their healthcare experience by asking the right questions to the right people. A Patient Advocate will ensure the rights of the patient are being upheld. . Most healthcare services will have a Patient Advocate employed at their service, which means they will be responsible for hundreds or even thousands of patients going through their doors each year. Being employed by the health service itself leaves the question - how do they ensure they provide unbiased support when a patient has problems with the health service that they are employed by? . A Patient Advocate can be the missing link in your healthcare journey and be that bridge between patient and healthcare provider. . CONTACT ME instagram: @yourwayhealthadvocacy Email: [email protected]