Respond to W questions to question treatment suggestions of the doctor

Observe W questions: question the suggested treatment

Many patients are not confident enough in their conversations with the doctor or do not always understand what the doctor wants to explain to them. Often, they then consent to an examination or treatment that may not be necessary. Patient advocates advise to pay attention to the so-called W-questions, so that the doctor can not answer only with yes or no.

Patients should pay attention to W questions
In some cases, it's just too fast: When a doctor suggests a treatment, the patient often agrees directly. But before agreeing, the meaning of the proposed investigation or treatment should be explained. Not least because many examinations are often superfluous. In a message from the dpa news agency, Stefan Palmowski of the Independent Patient Counseling Germany (UPD) advises to orientate himself to so-called W-questions, such as: What benefit does that have? What risks exist? How urgent is the treatment? Such questions prevent the doctor from answering yes or no.

Notes can be helpful
Instead of asking, "Is that well researched?" The patient asks, "How well is this researched? How long is this type of treatment? "It can be helpful if you make notes of the conversation, which you can go through at home later in peace. Patients should also ask some important questions when prescribing new medicines. Palmowski had already pointed that out in the past. So should be clarified as: "Why a new drug?" Or also: "What is the advantage over existing drugs?"

Be careful when searching the internet
When looking for treatment on the Internet, one should exercise caution: "You can really find a lot," says Palmowski. "Not all of this is serious or correct." The homepage of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), for example, is a source of independent information. When it comes to individual health services (IGeL), a look at the IGeL monitor is also an option. It assesses the benefits and harms of self-payer benefits based on scientific studies.

If necessary, get a second medical opinion
Furthermore, the HON code on web pages can be a clue to patients. HON stands for "Health On the Net", a certificate that providers only get if they meet certain quality criteria. Among other things, this includes specifying the author's qualification and how the site is financed. In addition, references to risks and benefits must be documented. Patients also always have the option of obtaining a second opinion from another doctor. The costs have to be borne by the health insurance. "The greater the potential impact of the measures, the sooner I need a second opinion," says Palmowski. This can of course be a major operation, but also a high financial cost, such as a denture. (Ad)

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