Self Empowerment Against Medical Trauma
Practical tips for finding freedom and shielding from medical trauma.
Medical trauma is defined as a set of psychological and physiological responses to pain, injury, serious illness, medical procedures, and frightening treatment experiences. I have experienced several instances of medical trauma with my earliest experience being at the age of 4. This is a topic which continues to bring up strong emotions for me. In researching and thinking about medical trauma I came across words and ideas about medical heroes and the power we give heroes in society. I have also read multiple articles on doctors’ feelings of being invincible and how they identify their status in society which impacts their client care whether intentional or not. Yet, I found it difficult to find any information on the empowerment of patients.
We have had to continuously give power over our lives, health, and medical decisions to the medical communities and in the process give away our power. I want to focus on how we get our power back and gain control over our own health and medical care. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines empowerment as “a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health” (WHO, 1998). Here are 6 tips for being empowered over your health care
Information, as the saying goes information is power! Ask the questions about what is in your chart. I recently logged on to my digital health care records and found a diagnosis I was not expecting. Something talked about in passing became part of my permanent record and I did not know for 2 years! The chart is yours and the information is about you so ask to see it and ask what the providers are writing about you. I often have clients ask about their diagnosis, why they have the diagnosis and provide input about whether they agree. I feel strongly their voice has power. They are the only ones in their body and can speak to their experiences.
Health care literacy, The National Library of Medicine defines health care literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions..” Be literate about your health care needs, the medication you take, the procedures you are recommended, the diagnosis you have and all other aspects of your health care. Look up information from trusted sources on the internet, ask others to look with you and provide support, above all… know the information. This allows you to make informed decision and be more collaborative with your health care providers.
Self-Efficacy, I feel at times this becomes a barrier, I will tell myself, ‘I am not a doctor what do I know,’ I have learned through some difficult situations to challenge these thoughts. I am not a doctor and I do not know; however, I am the person experiencing this moment to moment and I am the one in my body. I want the health care professional to tell what steps I can take to be more effective in my health. I want to know to what degree or variability do I have to stick within a regimen they recommend. I want the power to decide what is best for me. I want providers to provide me with those options and choices.
Mutual Respect, while health care professionals might know about disease you are the expert of your body. Empowered health care is a conversation between you and the providers. You are the only one who knows your body, symptoms what is “normal” and what your needs are
Shared Decision Making, this is a key component for empowerment as outcomes are improved when patients and providers make decisions together. Conversations in this area include the goals for you and the goals for you provider. Do these goals align and if not we advocate for conversations to let your provider know what your goals are and be curious about what is behind their goals. Being in alignment creates less frustration for everyone.
A supportive environment, a provider’s office who provides opportunities for discussions, a focus on you and takes the time to listen to you is very important. Do not be afraid to let the provider know what your needs are and ask for or seek out another provider if your needs are not getting met or you do not feel you are being heard and seen.
Advocacy, having someone to advocate for you, ask questions you might forget and provide support during appointments is also another way to empower yourself. I have been in the hospital and not had anyone there to advocate for me and I remember the feeling of being alone, ignored, and invisible. I have also been at the hospital for several family members and take the role of advocacy very important. I feel strongly in being there to support one another and having someone to be there and advocate for you when you are not able to speak for yourself can provide empowerment through a sense of safety.
Overall empowerment is found in many different ways and levels for each of us. The bottom line is having conversations and building relationships with providers who are open to them is important for our care and we each have the right to feel seen and heard in regards to our bodies and our treatment needs.