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: –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 Diet and exercise Weight management Sleep quality Stress management Mental health issues Memory Blood pressure 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 Podiatrists Dietitians Physiotherapists Diabetes educators Psychologists Social workers 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 Eligible DVA cardholders can see the following professionals with a referral from their doctor:

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