In recent years I’ve heard so many people say that it’s really hard to get a GP appointment. But what I’ve heard for even longer is some clients saying that they don’t feel heard or get the results that they want from their GP.

Now, I’ve worked alongside GPs for a long time and I recognise that their roles are really challenging. Ultimately, they’re doing all that they can to support their patients. But I also recognise the frustration that my clients and others speak of.

On review, I think that this frustration may be borne out in part because my clients simply didn’t ‘speak GP’. Or another way of saying this is that they didn’t know how to speak to their GPs in a way that they would be understood.

If this resonates with you, and you want to know how to speak with your GP to get the results that you want, continue on and I hope that this guidance will help.

5-7 minutes consultation time

Recognise that most GPs only have a very short time to meet with a patient, hear their issue, transcribe what they’re hearing, reach a conclusion and provide some form of solution.

Now contrast that to the patient who has 10 different things that they want to discuss. Or someone who has a health issue that they’ve reported multiple times and feels that having to do it again to get the result that they want is all too much.

Then add on the fact that it’s rare to see the same GP, or at least one who’s known you for years. You may see someone who only knows you by your patient notes and again all of this can make the appointment emotive.

But what if you looked at it from a different perspective. What if you simply recognised that your GP only has a limited time to see you. If you view it like that, it can encourage you to make best use of those precious 5-7 minutes.

Go in equipped

Now this does not mean going in with copious notes or information that you’ve found on Dr Google. Simply:

A) know why you’re going to see the doctor (who is the expert)

B) Have a clear idea of what your exactproblem is (in 10 words or less)

C) Know what solution you’re looking for. Is it a diagnosis, a test, further investigation, medication, a referral or something else? Try to be as specific as you can.

Don’t waffle

This can be easier said than done. When we get nervous we tend to talk quickly and can easily go off on a completely irrelevant tangent.

It may seem a little extreme but if you get flustered at appointments, it can be a good idea to write down the questions that you want to ask. Or practice what you want to say before you go in, or even take a friend who can support or speak for you.

Speak your GP’s language

This doesn’t mean that you have to swallow a medical journal. It’s important to speak as yourself, but recognise that in order to provide the best service, the GP needs to know what could be wrong as soon as possible.

They don’t have time to read all the research that you’ve done or what your aunt Carol says could be wrong.

Instead, keep a detailed diary of your symptoms over 4-12 weeks. Highlight where you’ve experienced changes and note things that seem out of the ordinary. Also make note of any family history relating to conditions which you may be concerned about. Then summarise this into (no more) than one page.

You could even ask the Practice Nurse to scan the details in so that you have peace of mind knowing that your issue has been seen and acknowledged.

Follow up

If you feel that you haven’t found a resolution, follow things up. It’s not being difficult, it’s your right. One thing I see and have seen sadly to a detrimental effect is people leaving things and not following up if symptoms persist or worsen.

We all have the right to good health care, but it does involve us being part of the solution.

If you’re concerned about any aspect of your health, do consult your GP. But if you simply want to make some dietary changes, book in for the meal planning service or nutritional review sessions.

Here’s to you and your good health!