What do we mean by “talking” COPD? Is that a language? In a way, it is, as is any chronic illness. We mean that when you have been diagnosed with a disease such as COPD, it is very important that you and your healthcare team make decisions by talking, listening and communicating with each other.
We could craft similar articles for lung cancer, asthma, sarcoidosis, or any other pulmonary disease—and in fact, we might!
But they would all begin with a similar introduction.
Before we talk about COPD, let’s talk about communication in the healthcare setting.
Talking to Your Healthcare Professionals: The FLASS Philosophy of Communication
By talking COPD, we mean communicating about your disease with your doctor or any member of your FLASS Healthcare team. Yes, this blog will give tips on talking to your doctor about your COPD, but it is also about a topic which is dear to our hearts here at FLASS: Communication.
Talking: Doctor to Patient and Vice Versa
We believe that many healthcare facilities claim to embrace good doctor-patient communication, but they fail to practice it in the day-to-day busy schedule of routine appointments and tests. It’s also true that interpersonal communication lessons learned in medical school are all too often buried under massive amounts of critical medical knowledge.
Talking Point 1: Healthcare Communication in the Good Old Days
Sad to say, in the old days, in decades gone by, patients were a little like children and doctors were like fathers. The children asked very few questions, and the fathers made all the decisions while dispensing sage advice. Some of you who are reading this blog might remember such times.
Patients and healthcare professionals value honest, open communication when talking about COPD.
The founder and CEO of FLASS Dr. Fortune Alabi, FCCP, MBA has stated, “This paternalistic model of medicine, in which patients have little voice in their care has evolved into a model in which patients and physicians work in partnership toward the common goal of improved care and reduction of medical errors.” We cited these words in a previous blog, but the concept is worthy of repetition.
Talking Point 2: Healthcare Communication Today
In the 21st century, in quality driven healthcare facilities, patients and doctors have a completely different attitude than in the old days. With the dawn of “patient-centered care,” the medical profession has discovered the modern patient is capable of participating as a partner in decisions on his/her treatments and options. This means communication, in the healthcare setting has become a two-way street.
Talking Point 3: the Ideal vs. the Real World
In the ideal world, this means both patients and healthcare professionals are talking, listening, and making decisions together. And they are doing this to a higher degree than at any other time in history. However, in the real world, this style of communication is a huge challenge to both healthcare professionals and patients.
Talking, Listening and Partnering With Patients
At FLASS, when we are talking, listening and communicating. With you as a patient, we are aware that you are a partner in the creation of your healthcare action plan and behavior.
A. Talking about your COPD Means More than One-On-One: Additionally, keep in mind that you are partnered with more than your pulmonologist. Experts state, “Lung disease often is managed by a pulmonary care team that includes physicians (e.g., pulmonologist, pediatric pulmonologist, internist), respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners, respiratory care nurses, and pulmonary function technicians. Good communication between the patient and his or her pulmonary care team plays an important role in managing conditions that affect the respiratory tract.”
B. Let’s Get Specific: Have No Fear of Asking Your COPD Questions:
As we said above, some of you might not be accustomed to this philosophy of 2–way medical communication. Thus, with a little help from the American Lung Society Association, we thought you’d like some questions to discuss with your doctor and other members of your pulmonary care team. And remember, the healthcare professionals at Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists believe that there is no such thing as a dumb question.
Talking COPD: Conversation Starters
COPD Patient is exercising and smiling while following her mannagement plan.
1. What is the proper way to use this inhaler/ nebulizer?
2. In my case, is a pulmonary rehabilitation program really worth the time?
3. Will I be able to take flu and pneumonia shots anymore?
4. What should I do when my COPD symptoms suddenly get worse?
What is an exacerbation?
5. What can I do to stop feeling sad about my COPD diagnosis?
6. What are the side effects that might happen with this medication?
One outstanding reward of interactive communication between patients and healthcare professionals is that patients who help create their COPD management plans, better comply with their therapies and attain a higher quality of life.