Top tips for communicating with your healthcare team
Make your priorities heard
When speaking to your healthcare team, you may find that talking about some of your concerns is hard. You may not want to interrupt, or feel you are burdening your doctor. Or you may feel embarrassed to speak about certain topics, such as how psoriasis affects how you feel about your body or your sex life. But remember, your doctor is there to help you. They talk to many women with similar problems every day, and they are used to talking about things that might feel uncomfortable for you.
Below are some examples of things you could say to bring up something you want to discuss. You may want to take this list to your next appointment and use it if needed.
‘I feel very strongly about my treatment helping XXX symptom, e.g. reducing visible plaques. This is a priority for me, because XXX. Is there anything that you can advise?’
‘If I could choose a treatment, I would prioritise improving XXX, e.g. having to take less sick days at work. Is there anything that can help with this?’
‘What is the best way to deal with XXX symptom?’
‘I still have concerns about XXX, e.g. would my psoriasis or treatment be affected if I changed any other medication I am taking’
‘I am unclear about my choices. Please could you explain what other options are there?’
‘Psoriasis is affecting my life in XXX way, e.g. I feel uncomfortable wearing a skirt because of plaques on my legs. Is there anything that can be done to help with this?’
‘I think we have covered all my medical symptoms, but it is important to tell you that I still don’t feel like myself.’
Information contained within this website is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with your healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your health or medicine, you should consult your healthcare specialist or general practitioner
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly in the UK via the Yellow Card Scheme website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the MHRA Yellow Card App in the Google Play or Apple App Store. In Ireland please report via the HPRA at https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue.
You can also report adverse events to UCB at UCBCares.UK@ucb.com or UCBCares.IE@ucb.com.
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