How can I help myself?

Seeking information from healthcare providers can assist you to be an informed consumer. Remember, if you are unsure of something, or unsatisfied with an answer you have been given, don’t be afraid to ask the questions again, and if you are uncertain, always seek a second opinion. 

Often healthcare consumers are very passive, some rarely question the decision being made on their behalf. You can be a proactive consumer by being better informed about the future direction of your heathcare. In this day and age the internet has lots of information, however, sometimes it is best to actually make an appointment and speak to someone in person.

Here are some tips to assist you to be an informed consumer:

• Ask questions, and ask more questions. If you don’t understand something, or the information you have been given doesn’t make sense, ask the person to explain it to you again.

• Be proactive in your questioning and research. If you are waiting on information and/or for someone to phone you back and you haven’t heard from them, don’t be afraid to call them back, and follow up on the answers to the information you are seeking.

If you don’t feel confident asking all of the questions you would like to, ask a family member or friend to attend an appointment with you for support.

• If you are meeting with a specialist and/or healthcare provider and you have questions; make sure you write down your questions prior to going to the appointment. That way, you won’t forget to ask if the conversation happens to take a different direction.

• Get to know your prosthesis. Know what device you use, how it benefits you, and supports you to achieve your goals.

• When you next see your prosthetic provider, ask if there is a device that would better suit your mobility needs.