I do not understand what is happening
It is reasonable to ask for things to be slowed down and explained clearly, even in a busy unit.
Your concern
I do not understand what is happening
You could say
“I do not understand what is happening. Please can you explain clearly what has been decided, why it has been decided and what happens next?”
Ask for a plain English explanation
“Please can someone talk us through this clearly, including the plan, the options, what has already been decided and what would change the plan?”
Questions to ask
- What has been decided?
- Why has this been decided?
- What are the alternatives?
- What happens next?
- Who is responsible for the next decision?
Ask for it to be documented
If you are worried, you can ask for your concern and the advice given to be recorded.
“Please can you record in my notes that I raised this concern, what I reported, what was checked and what the plan is?”
The core question
If you are worried and do not know what else to say, ask this.
“What has been checked? What is the plan? When will this be reviewed again? Who is responsible for the next decision?”
You are allowed to ask for the reason, the plan, the review point and who is responsible for the next decision.
Hear Her First does not tell you what clinical decision is right. It helps you ask clear questions, understand the plan and seek further review if you do not feel reassured.