What is the trick to asking questions?
Reactive patients ask because:
1) Need for information- Not quite informed so we ask a question hoping the doctor doesn’t think we are stupid. Really, the doctor didn’t tell us enough information
2) Need to be noticed- Got the basic idea, but need to show the doctor we are in the know and want as much info as possible
3) Hopelessness- Nerves took over so what the heck, ask
4) We can’t get out what is on our mind- So we just ask questions hoping the doctor picks up the non-verbal points to give the proper explanation
Our alternative
Proactive patients ask:
With the purpose of making a likeminded team.
Good questions are a way to develop a new “patient doctor” team. The questions are just used as a way to lead the conversation. Conversation then develops into a give and take, viewed like an interlocking zipper that continues to connect as you pull. The new team needs to pull together to zip up. The good questions are now part of therapy, like a closure to all procedures. Once there is chemistry, with questioning and proper responses, there is willingness towards one another to work together.
Tip: Asking good questions to make a team doesn’t mean you have chosen a doctor, it just gives you the best chance to have a feel which direction you will be led in.