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I just attended a seminar given by a health care provider. The seminar was intended to explain our cancer diagnoses.

I didn’t understand a word of it.

The doctors loved talking about chemical interactions, future medications, and clinical trials.

They might have been speaking Greek.

There’s a reason I didn’t take Organic Chemistry in college. And there’s a reason why many want-to-be doctors failed Organic. It’s a tough subject. Many people don’t understand it. And if you don’t understand it, you can’t become a doctor.

But hearing a lecture about light chains and enzymes doesn’t make you a better patient. It makes you fall asleep. It makes your eyes glaze over. It makes you look at your iPhone for a distraction.

So what can well-meaning health care providers do in their quest to improve patient education?

First, they can ask patients, “What information or advice do you need that would make you happier or healthier today?”

I wouldn’t presume to know all the answers. I only know from my perspective.

Here’s what I’d suggest to get the ball rolling:

  • What can I do to stay healthy, active, and engaged in life?
  • What foods, activities, or habits should I avoid?
  • How can I prepare for appointments to get the most out of our time together?
  • What questions should I be asking you?
  • What resources are available for caregivers, financial assistance, and emotional support?
  • How might my diagnosis affect my ability to work, and what options do I have?

That should get you thinking about what you need.

What questions do you have about caregivers, in-home help, financial aid, mental or emotional help? How does your diagnosis affect your job or your ability to continue working? What can you or your employer do about that?

That’s just a start.

If you’re living with cancer, caring for someone who is, or working in healthcare, what information or support would make the biggest difference in a patient’s daily life?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s help healthcare providers understand what patients really need.

Dan Janal

Cancer survivor Dan Janal is writing a book, "Reframing Cancer: New Perspectives on Hope, Health, and Healing".

He also works with business and healthcare professionals who want to write a book that builds their businesses as a ghostwriter and book coach

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