If you feel you are not being taken seriously
You deserve to have your concerns assessed and explained clearly. If you feel your pain, symptoms or worries are being minimised, you can ask for the clinical reasoning and for your concerns to be recorded.
Ask for the clinical reason
“I am concerned that my pain or worry is being minimised. Please can you explain the clinical reason for the advice you are giving?”
Ask for it to be recorded in your words
“I would like my concern to be assessed and documented exactly as I have described it.”
Ask for another reviewer
“I do not feel I am being heard. Please can another member of the team review this with us?”
Ask for your words to be in the notes
“Please can my symptoms and concerns be recorded in my words?”
If you are supporting someone
If you are supporting someone who feels dismissed, help them be heard calmly. Write down what they said, repeat their concern clearly and ask for the reasoning, plan and review point.
Trust the feeling. Ask again. Hear Her First does not tell you what clinical decision is right. It helps you ask clear questions and seek further review if you do not feel reassured.