General practice in Ireland is heading for a capacity problem. That is to say that the demand from patients looking for appointments is going to exceed the system's capacity to deliver them. Certainly, same day appointments, which are taken for granted now, will be more difficult to come by.
Have you ever been to visit your GP and felt afterwards that you didn't get as much from the appointment as you had hoped for?
As GP appointments become scarcer, this week we'll look at how to get the most from your GP visit.
I always feel a successful consultation will address both the patient's and the doctor's concerns. Remember when you attend your doctor, you have your worries and ailments in your head and your GP will want to address your concerns and help you. However, your doctor will also have their agenda - have you had your flu jab? Are your smear tests up to date? When was your last blood pressure or cholesterol test?
It's a good idea to plan your visit.
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Think the problem through - what are your symptoms, when did it start, are there any other things your GP may need (that hospital prescription or the letter from the physiotherapist/optician etc.)
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Try to organise your thoughts. Will you go alone or bring someone? If it is a complicated or sensitive issue, perhaps you might leave the kids at home. Maybe it's an issue which has been difficult for you to talk about - in this case, perhaps you might need to bring a friend or relative for support. This is especially important if you are distressed or getting results which might be distressing.
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Remember that your GP may want to examine you. Loose-fitting clothes may be most suitable. If you are bringing your baby for a check-up or vaccinations then, again, loose-fitting garments are the order of the day. I've often been amazed at the latest Brown Thomas baby-grow that needs a degree in engineering to defrock!
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Might the GP need a urine sample? Every pregnancy check requires a urine sample, and it's always appreciated by your GP or practice nurse if you attend the appointment with the sample ready.
I spent six years in college as an undergraduate. After graduating, I did my pre- registration year under supervision in Cork University Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. Thereafter, I spent four years as a house officer in internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics & gynaecology, and accident & emergency. I've been a practicing GP for 15 years since then. It's a laboured point, but in all that time I have never once attended a dental clinic - ask me anything, but please ask your dentist about your teeth! The exception may be if you have dental pain out of hours, when perhaps a prescription from your GP for painkillers and antibiotics will help until you see your dentist.
I advise caution regarding bringing in 'Dr Google's' diagnosis - there are helpful websites with good quality medical information, however, often 'Dr Google' will lead you astray. Certainly, mention your concerns, but please consider that your GP has 10 years' of training and lots of experience to help when assessing your problem.
Finally, lists don't work. By all means, write down details and aid memoirs about your main concerns. However, long lists may be self-defeating when visiting your GP. Most people will have two or maybe three items to discuss. Your appointment will be 10-15 minutes long. If you have a long list, it won't be possible for your GP to deal with all the items on your list in a meaningful way. Equally, if you have something which is very important to you to discuss, please mention it at the start - it's very difficult when you mention a potential important issue, having spent the previous 15 minutes discussing Granny's piles.
Medical practice is changing - your GP will want to involve you in decisions which affect your body and your health. If you are unclear about what the diagnosis is, please ask. If you would prefer to attend a particular hospital, please say so. Your GP wants to help and wants you to feel in control. Hopefully this advice will help you get a little more from your next GP consultation.
Dr Nick Flynn IMC 21468 is Medical Director of Union Quay Medical Centre.
