What's Up, Doc?

In the past, doctors were viewed as the experts. Patients were expected to sit quietly & follow advice blindly. However, the "rules" have changed. Although often in a hurry, healthcare providers want us to be healthy. They realize that involved patients often stay healthier. Technology also allows people to be better informed. (To learn how technology is revolutionizing how we get medical care, check out the Mayo Clinic's Telehealth or US News & World Report's Telehealth: The Ultimate in Convenience Care.)

A study published in the May 2007 Journal of General Internal Medicine found patient participation is heavily influenced by 5 factors:
- patient knowledge, 
- encouragement by doctors, 
- appreciation of the patient’s responsibility/rights to play an active role in decision making,
- awareness of choice, &
- time.

For tips & tools to become more involved,
- National Institute of Health's Talking With Your Doctor (seniors)
- The Joint Commission's Speak Up: Tips for Your Doctor's Visit (the hospital accreditation folks)
- Indian Health Services' Ask Me 3: Good Questions for Your Good Health
- Nemours Foundation's Questions to Ask Your Doctor (teens; multiple language options) 
- The US Surgeon General's My Family Health Portrait (multiple language options).