Here's how you can actively involve patients in their own healthcare journey.

This can be done through shared decision making and patient education. Providing them with the information in this manner allows them to make informed decisions about the different diagnoses, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that must be made. An atmosphere of question-asking, coupled with careful listening and respect for their wishes, does much to establish a relationship of mutual collaboration. Such a strategy not only yields better health outcomes but also increased patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.

When we started the Interventional Radiology Department in a Lahore hospital, we identified the need to educate administrative teams who interact with patients more than doctors do. Effective communication is crucial for quality improvement, and many global issues arise from improper communication. Besides educating staff on internal processes and peri-procedural information, hospitals must address specific patient queries based on their culture and location. We created a list of FAQs and crafted effective answers considering patients' diverse backgrounds. Training staff on these FAQs provided standardized answers, significantly reducing misinterpretation.

Al paciente hay que educarlo en su patología, debe comprender que le pasa, como se soluciona, mejora o compensa, que evitar para no agravar o descompensar una enfermedad y para saber cuando esperar o cuando consultar. Ideal si uno como equipo médico tiene instancias de respuesta a través de asistentes o enfermería tipo case mangment o inclusos App o RRSS

As a pharmacist, I understand the importance of clear communication in healthcare. To ensure the best possible care, come prepared to your appointments. Write down your symptoms and questions beforehand. Don't hesitate to bring up any concerns, no matter how sensitive. Openly discuss your medical history and medications, including supplements – I recommend keeping a current list to bring with you. This transparency allows your healthcare team to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs. Remember, informed patients are empowered patients!

As professionals, having an action plan before your first meeting with your patient can be very easy. However, it is always important to remember that we treat individuals; therefore, each patient requires an individualized approach. Include them throughout the decision-making process, listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and ensure that they feel they have an active role in developing an action plan. You could offer the most intricately designed health intervention plan; however, if you haven't listened to and considered a patient's circumstances and concerns, there will be a significant probability of failure. We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen to your patients.

El paciente debe ser protagonista de sus decisiones, para lograr esto la información sobre estudios, tratamientos, cirugías, pros y contras deben entregarse de manera fácil y se debe estar para explicar efectos positivos o adversos o complicaciones de esas mismas decisiones, además de entregar consejo profesional

Shared decision-making is a partnership between you and your doctor to reach the best course of treatment for you. It acknowledges your right to make choices about your own health. Together, you'll explore different options, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each. Don't be shy to share your thoughts and feelings – your doctor needs to understand your priorities. This collaborative approach ensures the care you receive reflects your values and what matters most in your life.

Sobretodo en manejo de pacientes con patologías crónicas se debe tener implementado un sistema de seguimiento y comunicación, para que el paciente registre su evolución y/o acuda en caso necesario. El paciente es el protagonista de su viaje y uno como profesional es el acompañante y guía, pero no debe "llevar de la mano" al paciente.

As a pharmacist, I highly recommend monitoring your health progress. Tracking changes in symptoms, responses to medications, and any side effects you experience is crucial. A simple journal or a health app can be your secret weapon. This record not only provides a clear picture of your health journey to your doctor at appointments, but it empowers you to stay involved in your own care. By reviewing your notes, you can identify areas for improvement and discuss potential adjustments to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.

In my experience, in promoting the diagnosis and treatment service specializing in developmental problems, a golden opportunity is to provide new families with testimonial information capitulated by the phases of treatment.