Be Prepared Staff Information Poster
Helping Patients and Families Prepare for an Appointment
A Guide for Staff
How can you help patients and families prepare for appointments?
We are using two new tools to help patients and their families prepare for their appointments.
Patient Prep Cards are sent to patients to fill out before their appointment to help them think about what they want to talk about and what their health goals are. If they don't fill out the card before they arrive, they can still fill out the card in the waiting room or even while they wait in the exam room. You can also help them fill out the card.
Patient Note Sheets are kept in the exam rooms. The Note Sheets give patients a place to write things down during their appointment to help them remember important information after they leave.
How do you use the new tools?
- Mail the Patient Prep Card to patients before their appointments.
- If patients arrive without a completed card, give them one at registration or in the examroom and explain how to use it.
- Offer to help the patient or family member complete the card.
- Stock the exam rooms with Patient Note Sheets and a pen.
Why is this important?
These tools help patients and their families:
- Prepare to be engaged in their health care appointment.
- Prioritize what they want to talk about.
- Communicate their health goals.