Top tips for getting the best out of your appointment

Before your appointment

• Write down your two or three most important questions, so that you remember to ask them.
• List or bring all your medicines and pills – including vitamins, supplements and non-prescription medications.
• Write down details of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Ask your hospital or surgery for an interpreter or communication support if needed.

During your appointment

• Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand. For example, ‘Can you say that again? I still don’t understand.’
• If you don’t understand any words, ask for them to be written down and explained.
• Write things down or ask a family member or friend to take notes.

Before you leave your appointment

• Check that you’ve had your questions answered and that you understand the answers, for example ‘Can I just check I understood what you said?’
• Check that you know what should happen next – and when. Write it down.
• Ask who to contact if you have any more problems or questions.
• Ask about support groups and where to go for reliable information.
• Ask for copies of letters written about you – you are entitled to see these.

After your appointment

• Write down what you discussed and what happens next.
• Keep your notes.
• Book any tests that you can and put the dates in your diary.
• Ask ‘What’s happening if I’m not sent my appointment details,’ and ‘Can I have the results of any tests?’
• If you don’t get the results when you expect – ask for them.
• Ask what the results mean.