Going to the Doctor

Sheila Hollins, Jane Bernal

• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• eBook ISBN: 9781784581077
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: General Health

Going to the doctor can be worrying. For people with an intellectual disability there may be the added worry of not being able to explain what's wrong, as well as not understanding what's happening.This book is about Jim, Anne and Laura who visit their General Practice for different reasons. The stories look at the ways the doctor and nurse listen to each of them, asking questions, explaining what will happen next and checking their understanding so that they can give informed consent. Many of the scenarios shown in the book form part of the annual health check. They also show how to involve the supporter appropriately.The book can be used to help someone get ready to visit the doctor, as a reasonable adjustment during the consultation, and for wider health promotion work.

Storyline

The following words are provided for readers and supporters who want some ideas about one possible story. Most readers make their own story up from the pictures.

Jim Lane, Anne Smith and Laura Jones arrive at the health centre

1. Jim Lane has an appointment to see the doctor. He goes to the health centre with George, his supporter. Anne Smith also has an appointment. Her friend Joanne goes with her. Laura Jones is going into the health centre, too, with her mum.

2. The notice tells them who works at the centre, and when it is open.

3. “Hello, Mr Lane. Take a seat. Please wait until the doctor is ready to see you,” says the receptionist.

4. The receptionist looks at her computer. “Miss Smith? Take a seat over there. The doctor will see you in a minute.”

5. Anne and Joanne look at this book. They talk about what happens at the doctor’s. Anne is a bit worried about what the doctor might do. She is pleased Joanne has shown her the book. She likes to have time to think about things.

6. “Come in please,” says the doctor.

7. The doctor asks what is wrong. “Do you have any pain? Tell me about it,” she says.

Jim Lane has his blood pressure checked

8. Jim tells the doctor how he is feeling. She asks a lot of questions. Jim answers the best he can. Then he says, “This is George, my supporter. Do you want to ask him anything?”

9. The doctor shows Jim what she wants to do. Jim asks her some questions: “Will it hurt?” “Why do you want to do it?” “Will it help me get better?”

10. Jim thinks about what the doctor has said. “Do I really want a blood pressure test?” “Why does the doctor want to do it?” “What will happen if I don’t have the blood pressure test?” He has to decide. He can say “OK” to a blood pressure test or “No, thank you”.

11. Jim agrees to let the doctor test his blood pressure. The doctor puts a band around his arm.

12. The doctor presses a button on the machine and the band gets tight. She reads some numbers on the machine and writes them on the computer. Jim’s arm feels a bit funny, but the band gets loose again quite quickly.

13. The doctor explains to Jim about his blood pressure. “Is my blood pressure good or bad?” he asks.

14. The doctor answers his questions. “I’m glad that’s over,” he thinks.

The doctor examines Jim Lane’s tummy

15. Jim tells the doctor how he is feeling. She asks a lot of questions. Jim answers the best he can. Then he says, “This is George, my supporter. Do you want to ask him anything?”

16. The doctor shows Jim what she wants to do. Jim asks her some questions. “Will it hurt?” “Why do you want to do it?” “Will it help me get better?”

17. Jim thinks about what the doctor has said. “Do I really want to have my tummy examined?” “Why does the doctor want to do it?” “What will happen if I decide I don’t want to have my tummy examined?” He has to decide. He can say “OK” to his tummy being examined or “No, thank you.”

18. Jim agrees to have his tummy examined. The doctor says, “Are you happy for me to examine you? Please go behind the curtains. Please undo your clothes. George can help you if you want. I will come in when you are ready.”

19. Jim undoes his trousers. He lies down on the bed. George helps him cover up with a blanket. Jim is embarrassed. George says the doctor needs to see Jim’s tummy to find out what is wrong with him.

20. The doctor looks at Jim’s tummy. At first she presses gently, but then she pushes harder. She asks Jim to cough. Jim is still embarrassed. He is glad the doctor is looking at his face most of the time. “Tell me if I’m hurting you,” she says. She looks at Jim’s face to see.

21. Jim does up his clothes. He is glad he brought George with him.

22. The doctor answers his questions. “I’m glad that’s over,” he thinks.

Jim Lane has an injection

23. Jim tells the doctor how he is feeling. She asks a lot of questions. Jim answers the best he can. Then he says, “This is George, my supporter. Do you want to ask him anything?”

24. “You need an injection,” says the doctor. Jim is worried. He asks her some questions. “Will it hurt?” “Will it help me get better?”

25. Jim thinks about what the doctor has said. “Do I really want an injection?” “Why does the doctor want to do it?” “What will happen if I don’t have the injection?” He has to decide. He can say “OK” to an injection or he can say “N...

Table of contents

• Going to the Doctor front cover
• Jim Lane, Anne Smith and Laura Jones arrive at the health centre
• Jim Lane has his blood pressure checked
• The doctor examines Jim Lane's tummy
• Jim Lane has an injection
• Anne Smith has her ears syringed
• Laura Jones has a blood test
• The doctor gives Anne Smith a prescription
• Supporting information
• Who is this book for
• Going to the Doctor
• How to read Going to the Doctor
• Storyline
• A guide for supporters, carers and advocates
• The annual health check
• How to explain some medical words simply
• A guide for GPs and the primary care team
• Useful resources
• Related titles
• Authors and artist
• Beyond Words publications and training
• Copyright information