Transcript MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31 Health management: Talking

MHPE Volunteer Resource
HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Talking with your doctor
(and other health professionals)
Tab 31
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
The value of a good GP
• Understands and can assist in working best with the
health ‘system’
• Builds relationship and knowledge over time
• What do you need in a GP:
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Accessibility: location, hours, access
Flexibility: times, long consults, home visits
Clinic: multidisciplinary, specialist services
Specific needs of the veteran
Some men are reluctant
to see a doctor
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
Annual check-up
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Diet and exercise
Weight management
Sleep quality
Stress management
Mental health issues
Memory
Blood pressure
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Smoking
Alcohol and other drug use
Blood sugar for diabetes
Cholesterol
Prostate health
Skin lesions, sun exposure
and vitamin D
• Screening for blood in bowel
motions
• Relationship and social
concerns
• Transport and mobility
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
Getting the most from your visit
• Take an active role
• Make a list: symptoms, concerns, impact
• Start with your biggest concern
• Be honest and thorough
• Expect honesty, clarity and detail
• Have an eHealth record
• Take a support person if it helps
These guidelines apply to all health workers
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
Other health professionals
Eligible DVA cardholders can see the following
professionals with a referral from their doctor:
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Podiatrists
Dietitians
Physiotherapists
Diabetes educators
Psychologists
Social workers
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Osteopaths
Chiropractors
Speech pathologists
Occupational therapists
Exercise physiologists
Community nurses
Some titles such as ‘counsellor’ and ‘therapist’ can be used
loosely: Check qualifications and experience if unsure
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
Medication (and other drugs)
• Maintain a list of all drugs, prescription and:
– ‘Alternative’ or ‘complementary’ medicines
– ‘Over-the-counter’ drugs e.g. aspirin, codeine
– Herbal treatments
– Vitamins and minerals
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
Medication (and other drugs)
• The pharmacist can help record on your list:
– Brand and generic name
– Dose and time taken
– What it is taken for
– Common side effects and drug interactions
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
Talking with a mate
The key message is to encourage men to visit
their GP regularly
• Use the analogy of car maintenance
– Regular service
– Early troubleshooting
• You know most about your body and mind, so
working in partnership with a health expert
delivers the best outcomes
MHPE Volunteer Resource – Tab 31
Health management: Talking with your doctor
Resources
• Talking with your doctor
checklist
• National Prescribing
Service
• Veterans’ MATES
• DVA Medicine Factsheets
– Medication Reviews in
the Community
– Repatriation
Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme
© Commonwealth of Australia 2015