[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We rarely think of the role we want to play in our own healthcare until we find ourselves injured or in crisis – when in fact, we have a critical role to play as a partner in healthcare1. It can be particularly challenging when tasked with such a responsibility as you try to navigate the system and services while dealing with the physical and emotional stresses of illness and injury. Therefore, let’s take time to reflect on how to be an effective patient partner.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] As providers, we can always improve our efforts in engaging and supporting patients as partners in decision making. There has been improvement within patient involvement in quality improvement measures, but there is still work to be done. True patient engagement is at its best when patients, families and caregivers have input in decisions, communication, processes and improvement of care and environment. The push to improve the quality of care has carved out a very powerful role for patients to play in their own care – and to direct it. As a partner, the patient shifts from a passive recipient of care to an active participant. That shift in role and power can have a meaningful impact to empower patients to take positive steps to improve their health and wellbeing.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Studies have shown that communication is one of the most important contributors and barriers to patient engagement2. Patients want healthcare professionals to take the time to listen to them. There is no doubt that communication is a two-way street, but learning how to best communicate with your healthcare team could help enhance communication. Providers must also be aware that patients may not feel comfortable communicating or simply do not know the best way to communicate concerns. Often, patients may not want to admit that they do not understand the information provided and may leave confused and misunderstood. However, patients should feel empowered by the responsibility they carry in taking charge of their own health and improving effectiveness of services provided.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As a partner, consider the following questions: What role do you want to play in your healthcare decisions? Who will you include as part of your healthcare team? Will you include family members or friends in your decision making process as well? What is the best way to communicate with your healthcare team? What strategies can you use to prepare yourself before meeting with a healthcare provider?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Considering the importance of communication, there is value in preparing to meet with your provider. Write down all your questions leading up to the visit. You may even consider bringing a friend or family member to help you communicate or act as support. Being ready not only save you time, but may also help your healthcare team provide more focused and tailored information.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]How patients and providers interact has changed significantly for the better. We are now evolving to a model where we can make informed decisions to help improve health and meet the goals of the patient together. Learn more about your rights as a patient at Patients Canada https://www.patientscanada.ca/. References 1Patients Canada (2016). Patient Destiny Report: Their experiences and perspectives. https://www.patientscanada.ca/site/patients_canada/assets/pdf/patient_destiny_report-eng-web.pdf 2Wanzer, M. B., Booth-Butterfield, M. & Gruber, K. (2004). Perceptions of health care providers’ communication: Relationships between patient-centered communication and satisfaction. Health Care Communication, 16(3), 363-384. pubmed[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text]There is no denying the tremendous burden of musculoskeletal conditions on the lives of Canadians. A staggering 11 million Canadians suffer from at least one musculoskeletal condition every year¹. Beyond the impact on the health and wellbeing of Canadians, musculoskeletal conditions are a major health issue that have a profound impact on Canada’s economic welfare. musculoskeletal conditions are responsible for one third of lost time and are one of the primary causes of short and long-term disability in Canada². Yet, even if they have an important impact on so many facets of our lives, musculoskeletal conditions receive very little attention. Patients often lack the necessary support and resources to manage their pain and symptoms, making it a challenge for many Canadians to lead a healthy lifestyle. Current guidelines supported by evidence suggest conservative care, like chiropractic, as first line treatment for conditions like back pain. Typically, Canadians may have access to chiropractic care through extended healthcare coverage provided as an employee benefit. However, for those who are unemployed or may not have access to extended healthcare, they may be required to pay out-of-pocket, thus creating an unnecessary barrier to proper treatment. Imagine if all Canadians had access to evidence-based, recommended care options for their musculoskeletal health? How would Canadians and Canada benefit as a whole? We know that early access to conservative care could not only reduce pain and improve function among those who suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, but have a meaningful impact on keeping Canadians working and productive. Canada would reap the rewards from ensuring that Canadians are healthy and that appropriate care is available when injured. There is more that we can do together to ensure that all Canadians have access to appropriate care options to help prevent or manage musculoskeletal conditions. It is also important to stay informed on Canada’s healthcare system and musculoskeletal health related matters. Want to join the conversation?:

1. Talk to your chiropractor about the importance of your musculoskeletal health
2. Learn more about current ongoing projects that aim to increase access to musculoskeletal care in Canada
3. Discuss musculoskeletal health with your friends and family

¹Building a Collective Policy Agenda for Musculoskeletal Health and Mobility; Canadian Orthopaedic Care Strategy Group backgrounder report. 2010. ²Desjardins, D. (2006). Le fardeau de la maladie lié aux troubles musculosquelettiques au Canada. Prévention l’incapacité au travail : un symposium pour favoriser l’action concertée. Journées annuelles de la santé publique. Retrieved from https://jasp.inspq.qc.ca/Data/Sites/1/SharedFiles/presentations/2006/JASP2006-Incapacite-SDesjardins2.PDF

Related Posts:

• Tidying up without the strain
• Four exercises to avoid if you have back pain – and what to do instead
• 3 things you need to know about TMJ pain
• Can my chiropractor use telehealth to help me during COVID-19?
• Understanding chiropractic care through the lens of pain

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]