Questions Are The Answer

As a clinician, I am well aware that when patients become more actively involved in their own health, there’s a much stronger likelihood their health outcomes will be better.

That’s why “Questions are the Answer,” a new public education initiative from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), encourages patients to have more effective two-way communication with their doctors and other clinicians.

“Questions are the Answer” features a website — www.ahrq.gov/questions —  providing free educational tools to use with your patients:

– A 7-minute video featuring real-life patients and clinicians who give firsthand accounts on the importance of asking questions and sharing information – this tool is ideal for a patient waiting room area and can be set to run on a continuous loop.

– A brochure, titled “Be More Involved in Your Health Care: Tips for Patients,” that offers helpful suggestions to follow before, during and after a medical visit.

– Notepads to help patients prioritize the top three questions they wish to ask during their medical appointment.

Clinicians (at least in the US) can request a free supply of these materials by calling AHRQ at 1-800-358-9295 or sending an email to AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Not a bad initiative – appreciate feedback from anyone who has used or looked at these resources.

AMS
Edmonton, Alberta