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When it comes to improved patient experience – listening can make all the difference. On this World Kidney Cancer Day we want to help patients and healthcare professionals to have better conversations to ensure the best information is available for patients from diagnosis to treatment.

Being listened to

Decision making should be a collaborative process between patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs)

As a patient, you should receive enough information to have open discussions with your healthcare professional (HCP). Patient organisations are a great resource of information about different options and possibilities your local health systems offers, but asking questions and having open conversations can help ensure care is tailored to you.

You play a crucial role in your healthcare decisions. Being equipped with knowledge about kidney cancer and treatment options allows you to advocate for your own care. Here are some resources to assist you:

DECISION AID BOOKLETS

These booklets provide valuable information to help you navigate the decisions ahead. Click on the images below to view.

OPEN COMMUNICATIONS

Shared decision-making involves open communication with your healthcare provider. Even if there’s only one treatment option available, understanding what’s happening to your body empowers you with knowledge and helps you feel more in control. It is an individual choice of how involved in your care you want to be. Working alongside your HCP and having open conversations can help to tailor care to your needs.

If you don’t feel listened to

You may be able to request a second opinion

It is always good to look to more than one source of information. Patients who do this can better understand their diagnosis and treatment options, helping them to feel reassured they are making the right decisions for them.

A second opinion means seeing another healthcare practitioner or specialist doctor. They will give their view on your diagnosis or treatment.

You might want to see another doctor for one or more of the following reasons:

• To confirm your diagnosis
• To find out if there are other treatment options
• To support what you have already been told about your condition and treatment
• Because you don’t feel listened to by your current doctor

Choose who to listen to

Being Your Own Advocate, with the Help of Trusted Sources

Finding accurate and reliable health information has become more confusing for patients than ever before. Knowledge can undoubtedly help to make important decisions about our health. But if the information we’re absorbing is inaccurate, it can also be harmful.

News, social media, search engines and symptom checker websites may have varying degrees of reliability, it’s always best to consult the most reliable websites for health information such as well-known health charities, national health service or government sites.

Clinical nurse specialists, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful. It is important to seek advice and information from reliable sources to prevent misinformation.