Your Health Care
Be Involved
www.oha.com
Funding for this project was provided by
the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
1.
Deciding about having a test or
a treatment:
• “Can you tell me more about my
medical problem?”
• “What does this test or treatment
involve?”
• “Could you explain it in a different
way?” (such as drawing a picture)
• “What is the purpose of this test or
treatment?”
• “Are there any other options?”
• “What should I do to get ready?”
One of the keys to getting the best health care is to be an active member of your
health care team. This means taking part and being involved in every decision
about your care. This also means asking a member of your health care team if
you have questions so that you can make informed choices. It means coming
prepared for your medical treatment and knowing what to do when you go
home. And it means getting support from friends and family if you need it.
Getting support from family, friends, and others
It is often helpful to bring a family member or friend with you when you talk to
your health care team. If you need an interpreter, ask in advance if there will be
one there, or bring someone who can interpret for you.
What you should know
You should understand as much as you can about any:
• medical problem you have (your diagnosis)
• treatment or procedure that you will have
• medicine you should take and how to take it
Asking questions
Before you see your health care team, plan the questions you want to ask
and write them down if you can. When you ask the questions, you may not
understand the answers you get the first time. It is fine to ask again. You can say,
“I’m not sure I understand what you said. Can you explain that to me again?”
Also, ask where you can go for more information.
Here are some good ways to ask questions:
Be involved in your health care. Speak up if you have
questions or concerns about your care.
Planning for going home:
• “What should I do when I go home?”
• “What should I tell my family about
my care?”
• “Can I eat