Let Patients Help!

Nothing could be more intimidating than being a patient. You're in the hospital with your backside hanging out of a johnny, trying to make life-and-death decisions, relying on important looking people with white coats and stethoscopes and degrees after their name. It's not hard to see why patients feel they should just do what they are told and shut up. But Dave deBronkart has been in that johnny and survived, and I don't think he ever once in his life just did what he was told without comment. He does so with a combination of humor and bluntness, which is why he is so widely respected not only by patient advocates, but by the health care industry. He also knows what he's talking about: he's a miracle survivor of Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. I think that makes him as much of an expert as any MD or RN.This is a book that gives us all confidence for that moment when we will find outselves dependent on the health care system: how to be an effective advocate for ourselves and our families, and have the confidence to ask the right questions and insist on the right care. It's also a gentle wake-up call for health care providers on thinking differently about the role of their patients. For instance: why not let patients write in their own charts? Or what about thinking differently about the patient behaviors that traditionally annoy physicians. For instance, many physicians are irritated when patients go online and bring them reams of research their condition. Dave proposes they think differently about this research, and treat it like an asset to their practice. Since a physician could read journals 24 hours a day and still not be able to keep up with the research in their field, patients can be enormously as helpful when they do research for themselves (hence the book title). He also urges the health care industry to see the value in patient vigilance about safety, costs of care, treatment decisions, setting research priorities, and other important activities.Dave is an internet superstar, and he's used to writing compact lines that are unforgettable. That's basically a description of this whole book.It's short and sweet, with a very powerful message."Patient is not a third person word," he states to audiences of health care professionals, "Whether it's you yourself, your child, your spouse, your mother--your time will come, when you're the one in the hospital bed, or you're the one at the bedside, holding someone's hand and silently thinking, 'Dear God, I hope she makes it.'"

This book is unique because it has lots of tips and advice that every patient who has ever dealt with the health care system must have in order to participate in his or her care and be more active in making treatment choices. It is also a book that is critical for our physicians and nurses who are just getting accustomed to having patients work with them as partners in determining health care options and treatment for better outcome. The down-to-earth advice in this book toggles between speaking to the patient and speaking to the doctor but there is no hesitancy. Let Patients Help! moves right along and carries the reader with it. Full of invaluable short, concise bits of wisdom, the book targets just what must be considered if we are to work our way out of the morass that is currently dragging our health system down. I especially like Danny Sands tip sheets because they provide the road map to both patients and providers for getting to where we need to be, going forward. This is a must read for everyone because at one time or another in our journey through life we will all be patients.

I have worked alongside the dynamic duo of Danny and Dave for about four years now, and I cannot truly emphasize how amazing they are. Great book, highly recommend!

In this age of Patient Satisfaction Scores (HCAHPS, CGCAHPS), this is a great insight into the better patient-physician relationship. Excellent for adult physician and patient alike. As a pediatrician this may be somewhat helpful to parents but would be nice to have Dave work with his local children's hospital and family support groups to create a sequel geared toward to the parent and the young patient learning to own his or her medical story and care plan. May see if I can get a copy for all my residents. Should be required reading in medical schools.

What a helpful book! While I am not dealing with cancer, I found the content helpful as I deal with many contacts with mainstream doctors. I have many sensitivities and do not respond well to medications, chemicals, anesthesia. I have needed to learn to stand up for myself, and this book offered many questions and suggestions I was not previously aware of. Thank you!

When it comes right down to it, we patients are the people ultimately responsible for our health and our health care. Doctors can give advice, suggest treatments, etc. BUT for optimal results, patients need to be part of the decision-making process. Nobody can know the patient or their body as well as the patient him- of herself. It's the wise doctors who "Let Patients Help," as a normal part of their practice, without the patient having to even ask.

This is nothing new to me. the problem is the balance of time and money Have no problem with access to labs and records but no one is going to get unlimited non compensated time from anyone. Your insurance dictates what is done not the doctor or patient. Partnership is a must for the later twoI. I think support groups are fine but remember each patient comes with unique variables . What works for one may have serious effects on another. The author seems to be well educated but many people will find themselves in information overload . The real issue is why any rational thinking human would ever relinquish their power of their body or mind to any other person. It is YOUR job to take care of Your or Family members Health... People have become passive in politics, education , business and you name it Not just in medicine

dave has written a very practical guide for patients to empower themselves when they have to deal with Healthcare world wide. patients need to get involved in orde to learn Healthcare workers to meet the needs of their patients. your life is too important to let other people to decide about it.