Patient Scribing

Patient scribing means helping a Neighbor prepare for and take notes during their healthcare appointment.

Things to remember

• Healthcare appointments are very personal.
• Not all people are comfortable with the presence of another person during the appointment.
• Some people feel intimidated by their healthcare provider.
• They may not know what questions to ask.
• Another person can provide moral support (as well as ears) for the patient.

CONFIDENTIALITY is most important: you are there as a second set of ears – not
as the neighborhood informant!

Before the Appointment

1) Talk with them to ascertain their needs during the visit.
2) What are their expectations of your being with them.
3) Set limits of what you will do!
4) Go over or help them fill out the Reminder Sheet.
5) Encourage them to be proactive during the visit.
6) Introduce yourself to the office staff and provider and explain why you are there.

During the Appointment

1) Remind them of questions they may forget to ask.
2) Ask the Provider for explanations when information is not clear.
3) Questions for tests ordered:

• Why?
• How long?
• Where do I go?
• What prep is necessary?

4) Questions regarding new medications:

• Why?
• Restrictions: other meds, foods, etc.
• When to take?
• Possible side effects

5) New diagnosis:

• Discuss meaning of this.
• Disease Management issues.

After the Appointment

1) Review with Neighbor the notes taken on the reminder sheet.
2) Rewrite in a way that they can see and understand (when necessary).