LIVING WITH IPF

> Your Healthcare Team

FEELING BETTER BY FEELING INVOLVED

Most people who are living with IPF develop close relationships with their doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers. Having a great working partnership with this team can be very beneficial for your health and your confidence.

Even the best relationships have room for improvement. Here are some useful suggestions for improving communication, making the most of your time with your doctor, and ensuring that you get the information you need.

FINDING A PHYSICIAN

What if you have a doctor you trust and rely on, but find you have to move to another state? What if your primary care physician retires? Or what if you are newly diagnosed with IPF and need a specialist? How do you begin to look for a new doctor?

The best starting point is your current personal physician. He or she can recommend a specialist or family practitioner most likely to be a good fit for you. If you are moving out of town, your doctor can also suggest how to connect with new healthcare providers.

Here are some other ways to find a doctor you will like:

• If you belong to a support group, ask other members about their healthcare providers
• Talk with friends, family members, and coworkers
• Ask other members of your healthcare team, such as your respiratory therapist, who may be able to guide you to a doctor who is a good match for you
• If you belong to a managed care plan, check the directory of physicians and if possible, call for a referral

GOOD TEAMWORK FROM THE START

Some people feel nervous around doctors and other healthcare professionals, but studies by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have shown that good communication with your doctor can have a big impact on the quality of care you receive and your own satisfaction.

Here are some tips to help you work with your doctor and all the members of your healthcare team.

Prepare for your appointment: If you are going to a doctor for the first time or will be having diagnostic tests, call ahead to see if you need to do anything beforehand, such as avoiding food or liquids for a certain amount of time. In addition:

• List your questions and concerns; write down the most important questions first so that you have enough time to cover them
• Bring a list of all the medications you take—including over-the counter drugs and the ingredients of any herbal remedies and nutritional supplements you use
• Bring any current medical records, x-rays, or test results

Be willing to provide information: Many people wait for their doctors to ask the right questions, but this may mean important information gets left out.

• Don’t wait to be asked for information—tell your care providers about your symptoms, medication side effects, and anything else that may be useful
• Talk about how you feel both physically and emotionally
• Tell your doctor everything—even if you think it’s embarrassing or not relevant. Your doctor may think it’s very important!

Know how to get information:

• Ask the questions from your list, and add others during your appointment if you do not understand something. If you do not ask questions, your doctor may assume that you understand
• If you do not understand the terms your doctor is using, don’t be embarrassed to let your doctor know
• If you can’t cover all your questions during your appointment, enlist the help of nurses and other staff members
• If you are worried about remembering information or instructions, take notes or ask if you can use a tape recorder
• Bring a family member or friend to your appointment to help you remember questions and instructions
• Ask your doctor to recommend booklets, Web sites, organizations, and other sources of additional information

Learn about next steps:

• Ask what information you will need to bring to your next appointment
• If you need tests, schedule the appointments right away
• If your doctor does not contact you with the test results by the expected date, follow up by calling his or her office.

You have the right to receive the best possible care from your healthcare providers, but you also have a responsibility: to be an active member of the team. Good communication can make your relationship with your team one of mutual respect and trust, and can also help you feel more confident about your care.

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