A general physician (GP) is usually the first point of contact for patients. According to the stats by DHA, Dubai saw an increase in the number of healthcare professionals from 39,548 (in 2019) to 58,788 (in 2023). Along with that, the trend of home-based doctors is on the rise as well – a strategy to deliver top-notch healthcare services. Whether it is elderly patients, pregnant women, or children, people are increasingly seeking the convenience that a doctor at home in Dubai offers.
7 Things to Avoid on Your Doctor’s Appointment in Dubai
When consulting a doctor, remember they are busy professionals working diligently to provide you with the best healthcare. It is also important to understand that your right attitude is the key to receiving optimal patient care. So, here is a guide on realizing the value of physicians and things to avoid that may annoy them.
1. Hiding or Lying About Your Routine/Lifestyle
Doctors use their best knowledge and expertise to help you recover. As a patient, you must act responsibly and never downplay or exaggerate symptoms, lifestyle, or side effects. Never lie about your routine, addictions, or treatments. Your doctor will be unable to identify the root cause of treatment ineffectiveness or worsening of symptoms. Remember, you are not playing with the doctor, instead you are risking your health.
2. Sharing Incomplete Information
Another mistake to avoid is sharing incomplete info during the consultation, as it may badly impact the treatment’s effectiveness.
When seeing a doctor for the first time, you must share your past health conditions/diagnosis, ongoing treatments and medications, co-morbidities, recent medical reports and anything else that they may require.
You might think there is no harm in sharing partial info or hiding details, however, it can be potentially harmful leading to wrong treatment, overdoses, or interactions.
3. Asking for Specific Medicines or Treatments
When you schedule an appointment with a doctor, you trust their expertise, and it must reflect in your attitude. Many patients repeatedly ask for antibiotics or certain medications that might not be required for the treatment. Keep in mind, your doctor is the best guide; they know their job and won’t like it if you keep questioning their treatment plan or stressing on making changes to it based on your demands.
4. Self Diagnosing
Researching symptoms online and self-diagnosing has become very common before and during medical consultation. You may see all sorts of information online, but there is no guarantee that it is reliable or even authentic. There are potential risks to incorrect self-diagnosis and self-medication, such as health complications and poor well-being. Moreover, cross-questioning your doctor, and insisting on your misinformed self-diagnosis, medical investigations, or treatments, can frustrate them and complicate consultation.
5. Expecting Quick Results
There is no denying the fact that the process — from diagnosis, and treatment to recovery — takes time. Expecting quick results and immediate relief, and pressuring your doctor about it, is inappropriate and often irritating. It may also disrupt their ability to provide thoughtful, effective care. Remember, doctors are busy professionals who deal with hundreds of patients, so they may not appreciate impatience or mindless perspectives.
6. Missing Appointments
Many patients don’t take their illness seriously, and it reflects in their attitude. They tend to skip or cancel appointments, often, without sufficient notice. That disrupts the entire schedule of the doctor, leading to inefficiencies and lost opportunities to treat other patients who might urgently need medical attention. Also, it wastes the resources allocated for that time slot, including the preparation and work done by the doctor and their team.
7. Not Adhering to the Prescribed Treatment Plans
When a doctor prescribes a treatment, they expect strict adherence for the desired results. However, many patients don’t, which can exacerbate symptoms, and prolong recovery. It can even lead to severe health complications, especially when such patients have chronic conditions and lifestyle diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.), or have acute infections that may lead to worsening of symptoms.
For instance, when a diabetes mellitus patient skips medicine, ignores dietary guidelines and/or regular exercise, it may impact their overall well-being, making them vulnerable to more complications. This not only puts such patients at risk, it is also quite annoying for the doctor who has developed a tailored treatment plan to help their patient.
Final Thoughts
Getting the best treatment is what every patient seeks, and the right way is to maintain a healthy working relationship with a GP. But for that, it is crucial to share complete and correct information regarding your lifestyle & habits, medical history, current condition, and symptoms. Equally important is to have confidence in your doctor, value their time, and adhere to their treatment plan.
While you and your loved ones can benefit from hospitals and clinics in Dubai, you can also get individualized patient care in the comfort of your home. Visit the ServiceMarket website to book a doctor on call in Dubai and get yourself checked within the comfort of your home.
