Don’t leave with unanswered questions
Medical appointments can feel overwhelming. You may talk about symptoms, hear what the doctor recommends and think about what your child needs. It can be easy to leave wishing you had asked one more question. The good news? You don’t need to be a medical expert to take an active role in your child’s care.
For Health Literacy Month, we’re sharing four simple questions parents can ask at any healthcare visit, whether they’re seeing a doctor, talking with a pharmacist or preparing for a medical test. These questions can help you better understand your child’s health, feel more confident about what to do next and make sure you leave with the information you need.
Why asking questions matters
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand and use health information to make good decisions. When parents feel comfortable asking questions it can be easier to follow care plans, give medicines correctly and care for their child at home. Remember: Your child’s care team wants you to understand what they are telling you. No question is too small. It’s always okay to ask them to explain something again.
1. What is most important for my child’s health right now?
Medical visits can cover many things. You might hear about symptoms, medications, follow-up appointments, healthy habits and more.
Start by asking:
“What is most important for my child’s health right now?”
This question helps you learn what matters most. It may be managing asthma symptoms, getting better sleep or recovering from an illness. Knowing the main concern can help you focus and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
2. What steps should we take next?
Once you understand the priority, ask:
“What steps should we take next?”
Clear, specific instructions are important. Ask about:
- Medications and how to take them
- Follow-up appointments
- Tests your child may need
- Changes to daily routines
- Symptoms to watch for at home
Before leaving, make sure you know what your family needs to do and when to do it.
3. Why are these steps important?
Understanding what to do is only part of the picture. It’s also helpful to know why.
Ask:
“Why should we take these steps?”
When parents know why a step is important, it can be easier to follow the plan and explain it to other caregivers. For example, it can help to know how a medicine helps your child, why another visit is needed or how healthy changes at home can help your child’s health.
4. Can I repeat back what I’ve heard?
One of the best ways to make sure you understand is to repeat the information back in your own words.
Try saying:
“Can I repeat back what I’ve heard to make sure I understand?”
This is often called “teach-back.” It gives your care team a chance to make sure the information is clear or explain something again if needed.
It’s not a test. It’s a way to make sure you and your child’s care team understand the plan before you leave. It’s okay to ask for a simpler explanation.
Healthcare information can be hard to understand, especially when you’re worried about your child.
If something isn’t clear, try asking:
- “Can you explain that another way?”
- “What does that word mean?”
- “Can you show me an example?”
- “Can you write that down for me?”
Asking questions is an important part of caring for your child’s health, and you should never feel rushed or embarrassed to ask for clarification when something isn’t clear.
Your voice matters
You know your child best. Your questions and concerns matter at every healthcare visit.
The next time you’re meeting with your child’s care team, remember these four questions:
- What is most important for my child’s health right now?
- What steps should we take next?
- Why should we take these steps?
- Can I repeat back what I’ve heard?
A few simple questions can help you feel informed, confident and ready to care for your child’s health.
Patient and Family Health Literacy Toolkit
Check out our toolkit to learn more about health literacy.
