By Debbie Pearson
We are in an unusual time these days regarding information and how we get it. On the one hand there is no need for the whole story. No desire for a play-by-play of every minute detail. Just the bottom line, the end-result. Just text me. Not two texts. Just one. Preferably with a picture that is worth at least a few hundred words.
Of course information gathering and communication has morphed as technology has changed, but there is an interesting irony in all of it. Hardly anybody wants to read 500 page tomes anymore, but we do want to read through a long list of Yelp entries before we decide on a hotel. Many of us think 140 characters is just fine because it makes the writer cut to the chase and only talk about what matters most. But then, we’ll spend hours sifting through joyful tales and horror stories to try and pick just the right auto mechanic.
The end result of all of this? Well, that can be debated. The good news is, there is definitely more information out there to help us decide. But, the bad news is that there is more information to help us decide, probably too much. It can be overwhelming. So much so, in fact, that is easier than ever to suffer from paralysis of analysis. And, not deciding can be disastrous when it comes to the really big things in life.
Navigating the Information Age
Let’s just look at one aspect of this new age we live in: healthcare choices. I’m very familiar with this field. I’ve worked in it for more than 4 decades, and I love it. My company, Nurses Case Management, was formed specifically to help individuals and families when they cannot help themselves, primarily because when they had the opportunity to make long-term life decisions they did not, for whatever reason.
I’ve also written Age Your Way, a book of stories, both cautionary and inspiring, gleaned from my 40 plus years in this field. I’ve compiled a companion piece, The Blueprint to Age Your Way, that allows families and individuals to compile and catalogue their wishes in one place so there can be no doubt should there ever come a time where they cannot communicate their wishes for themselves. My hope in all of this is to encourage readers to take action, and I understand that can be difficult for some. It’s hard to talk about a day that we all will likely face where we can’t make decisions for ourselves. But I can tell you from heartbreaking personal experience that not talking about and not making those important decisions is not a strategy, certainly not one that works well for the patient, the caregiver, or their families.
This is also true if you need a medical procedure, or help in finding a doctor or hospital. Be proactive, but know that you’ll see everything in the new information age. Everything.
But, you have to try and here’s why: To have what is called “informed consent”, you have to have the necessary data to help you understand well enough to give your caregiver the “informed” OK to proceed. With informed consent, not acting and not doing your homework is not an option, though many do choose that.
But, as you can guess, the downside of too much information at our disposal is that it can sometimes contribute to the fear factor. It’s a proven fact that sensationalizing dramatic experiences garners press. And just a single morsel of bad press can skew statistics in your mind. The two percent negative outcomes of a medical procedure that goes viral can completely obliterate the 98 percent of success stories.
So be careful. Gather information, research and review, but always consider facts and statistics in decision-making. The tried-and-true practice of a second opinion regarding medical decisions remains the gold standard.
Get a Second Opinion
Always get a second opinion. Always. But, be careful to not obtain your second opinion in the same medical practice. Seek out a medical practice not associated with the first doctor. Credible physicians encourage a second look. And, ask your first and second doctor the exact same questions to compare the responses.
Another suggestion is to take someone with you when meeting with your doctor. A neutral observer in the exam room can take written notes of the conversation, notes that are not colored by emotion. You want someone who will not filter discussion points in or out based on their own prejudice. What’s needed is a neutral scribe.
Another piece of advice is to recognize that anyone can post their experience on social media or retell their nightmare. Refrain from making decisions based on a single person’s horror story. Health care has tremendous variables based on an individual’s response to a procedure or medication. Your experience can be completely different from theirs.
Above all: Be in the game. Gather as much information as you think is valuable to you, both pro and con. Let your loved ones and your caregivers know your wishes.
Then, be brave and resolute. Act on the information. You and those who love you will be glad you did.
About Debbie Pearson
Debbie Pearson is the founder of Nurses Case Management in Austin, Texas. She is also author of “Age Your Way: Create a Unique Legacy”, and “The Blueprint to Age Your Way.” To learn more, please go to http://www.ageyourway.com/ . Debbie can be contacted directly at Debbie@AgeYourWay.com