Note-Takers for Patients

Ever go to the doctor, walk out, and then ask yourself, I’m supposed to do what?  It’s easy, especially when you are unwell, to recall accurately what you’ve been told. So I thought the project described in this article, Lend Us Your Ears: Note Takers Help The Elderly At The Doctor was a good one. Susan Jaffe, the author of the article published by Kaiser Health News (KHN), describes the volunteer project at Northwest Neighbors Village where members who paid dues can access one of “16 newly trained “medical note takers” who will accompany members into the doctor’s office armed with questions prepared in advance and take notes (although they will leave during the physical exam, unless requested to stay). Then the notes are sent to the patient and anyone else the patient designates.”  This is one of several such projects in the United States. 

Although helpful, not everyone has access to such volunteers and doctors still need to communicate with patients in a way the patients can understand.  It’s still a good step for those who have access to the program.