Sometimes, it can be hard for people living with HIV to ask questions of health professionals. Some of the reasons why we might feel this way:
The health professional is the “expert”.
We are often taught not to question authority.
We don’t want to come across like we don’t know things by saying we don’t understand.
It is hard to get time with our health professionals because they always seem so busy and under pressure.
There is a lack of privacy in a busy pharmacy or care settings, and it can feel intimidating.
Tips for getting what we need:
Plan ahead: We can call the pharmacy rather than speak to them in the store. If we are in a hospital setting, ask to have the discussion in a private area.
Earlier appointments: Consider making appointments at the beginning of the day when healthcare providers are less likely to be running late. Booking a double appointment will give more time for more in-depth information and understanding.
Practise questions: Practice asking questions with a trusted person in advance.
Bring support: Take a trusted person to the appointment. Having another person with us can be reassuring, help us ask for what we need, and they can also discuss the information with us afterwards to help us process it.
Request more information: Ask for key information to be written down or in a language or format that works for us, like a brochure.
Seek clarification: If we need more understanding or something needs to be explained more clearly - ask. It is a Health Professional’s job to do this.
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that health care professionals are just people too! Having a qualification does not mean they know more about what works best for us and our hauora.
If the relationship with our healthcare provider does not improve and we feel our needs and rights are not being met, or we are just not happy, we are entitled to change our health provider, or we can make a formal complaint.
