The other day, I posted a question on Facebook: If you wanted to find out if a doctor knew something about
narcolepsy (not a sleep doctor but a regular doctor), what questions would you ask him/her?
One of my friends gave a really good reply. I have posted it below.
I wouldn't even bother asking a doc who
is not a sleep doc, and even then that gets tricky to do without
offending them.
My PCP is an internist with a specialty in geriatrics. He freely admits I know more about N than he ever will and when he has a new doc in his office on an internship, he has me educate them on N.
My PCP is an internist with a specialty in geriatrics. He freely admits I know more about N than he ever will and when he has a new doc in his office on an internship, he has me educate them on N.
Perhaps, Anne,
a better way might be to say, "I realize that N is barely
covered in medical school and if you went to med school more than 15
years ago they still thought it was a psychological problem. However,
it would be very helpful in establishing our doctor-patient
relationship if you'd agree to two things: 1. Be honest with me about
what you do or don't know about N, and 2. Accept that I may know more
than you on that subject and be willing to listen to me.
I think also, and I've done this, make
it mandatory that your PCP and your sleep doc share notes after every
visit to one or the other. As well, you might suggest to the primary
that he talk to the sleep doc and get confirmation that you know what
you're talking about. Gives you much more credibility. Alternatively,
you might try getting a letter of introduction from your sleep doc
that states specifically that you are a well educated patient and
what you say is well informed and should be taken seriously. Come to
think of it, that might even be the best approach.
Further, it *IS* important to remember
that docs have worked very hard to get to be where they are, and even
if some of them are arrogant bastards we still do need to recognize
that they are thinking that it's pretty chutzpadig of you to presume
to tell them they don't know what they're talking about. And never
say "I saw this thing on the net that said...". Only say,
"I read an article (on PubMed but don't include this) in such
and such a journal that said..." Citing the journal is very
important to establishing your credibillity. Print it out and bring
it with you. I've done that. It takes all the wind out of their
sails.
Lovely post! Thank you for sharing this! It's so important we understand that primary care specialists are likely not to know much about narcolepsy. This is an important frame of thinking for how you approach an appointment and establish a good working relationship without discrediting their general medical knowledge.
ReplyDeleteDr. David Cunnington (an awesome narcolepsy specialist in Australia) brought up a great point that many primary care doctors may revert to common societal views of sleep that are not based in science and medicine. It's important we recognize that this may happen and use the ideas listed above to navigate this situation. A team-based approach to care is always best. :-)
Keep rocking this awesome blog! Cheering for you, Julie