You Are the Expert On You: Taking Control of Your Healthcare

Since the MeToo movement, the conversation about consent has really opened up when it comes to our relationships. However, we rarely discuss it in terms of your medical rights and privacy. Medical consent refers to patients having the right to make informed, voluntary decisions about their care. It is important to have informed consent with your healthcare providers, so that you can make the best decision possible for you, and to ensure that it is one that makes you feel most comfortable. Whether it’s with a plan of care, a procedure, or a medical event like childbirth, it’s important that YOU be in control of your healthcare and that you work with professionals that give you all of the information to make the best choice for you. Here at Arancia PT, we work collaboratively with our patients in a plan of care because we know it’s never going to be one-size-fits-all. We know that just as we are the expert on chronic pain and pelvic health, no one knows your body better than you. We are going to give you our 3 Tips for getting the best quality care:

The biggest piece of advice we give to our patients: do your research. Many people are unaware that they have a choice in who they work with, what procedures they get, or even what types of treatment they receive. The most important thing is finding a provider that is the best fit for you in regard to knowledge of your unique case, and personality. This is why we take time in making sure we are the right fit for people because we know we are experts in certain areas, but not in every area! Just because your doctor gave you a referral for another doctor or therapist, does not mean they are the best person to treat you. Doing your own research could save you a lot of time and money. However, you want to be wary of the research rabbit hole. Your providers are experts and though some may be better fits than others, you are better off finding a specialist who values and respects your input, just as you value and respect their expertise. Not all providers will share your values, so finding the right match for you is crucial!

Secondly, trust your gut. If you feel that something is wrong despite a medical provider brushing your concerns off, listen to yourself. This is when it is vital to get a second or even third opinion. We have worked with countless patients who were brushed off by medical providers, sometimes without so much as an exam. No one knows your pain better than you. If you feel that something is wrong, find a provider that listens to you and recommends a treatment that you are comfortable with. This is why we spend the time making sure we get the full story and truly understand who our patients are, what they value, and what they need from us! 

Lastly, put that research to use and have a plan, especially for new moms. We have found that many moms have had less-than-ideal experiences when it comes to medical consent during birth. Stories of medical providers pushing certain procedures or timelines that aren’t necessarily what’s best for mama, but what is most convenient or cookie-cutter. In Dr. Jess’s bestseller, Postpartum is Forever, she shares her birth plan and the importance of having a plan and making sure you work with providers who respect and follow your wishes. Although childbirth does not always go according to plan, it is important to at least have a rough idea of the things you do want and the things you do not want, especially if you are going to be giving birth in a hospital. In her book, Dr. Jess explains 

“A birth plan is exactly what it sounds like. It is a written declaration of your preferred birthing procedure. You can include any and all details explaining how you expect the medical professionals and hospital staff assisting you in labor and after birth to allocate your care. Your hospital or birthing center should follow your birthing plan as closely as medically possible. If there is any deviation from this plan, you should be informed at every step.” 

A lot of first-time mothers don’t realize that they can choose how they want certain aspects of birth to go, as Dr. Jess explained, and oftentimes doctors and nurses can overshadow this experience but pressuring you to make certain decisions when it comes to your birth plan. While it is not always done out of malicious intent, a lot of times healthcare providers tend to talk first-time mothers into making the choices that they would prefer, rather than letting them make their own decisions about how they want to welcome their child into the world. People won’t know what you value unless you know yourself and can express it! If you’d like to read Dr. Jess’s birth plan as an example, you can get a copy of her book here. If you are seeking physical therapy treatment in a clinic where you want to feel like an active and valued participant in your care, you can reach out to us at Arancia Physical Therapy online here, or give us a call at 401-602-7006.