Behavioral Responses to Experiencing Perceived Medical Problems
| Main Response Category and Subcategory | Type of Response | Number of Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Avoidance | ||
| Total avoidance | Avoid or stop going to doctors | 7 |
| Bypass parts of health care | Change to another doctor’s office | 12 |
| Bypass front office staff | 4 | |
| Avoid phoning the doctor’s office | 3 | |
| Avoid teaching hospitals - residents | 3 | |
| Go in person to make appointments | 1 | |
| Accommodation | Make no changes | 8 |
| Keep going to a doctor and follow advice | 3 | |
| Learn to deal with waits and delays | 2 | |
| Be cooperative, not demanding | 1 | |
| Be timely for appointments | 1 | |
| Anticipation | ||
| Attend to details | Schedule best appointment times and confirm appointments | 10 |
| Document problems with staff | 7 | |
| Bring a list of medications and problems to the doctor | 4 | |
| Write down medical information and questions before going to the doctor | 4 | |
| Do everything possible before going to the doctor | 3 | |
| Be attentive to ones own medical record | 3 | |
| Observe doctor’s office and doctor closely | 2 | |
| Check medications before taking them | 2 | |
| When waiting to be seen at office, ask how long the wait will be | 1 | |
| Attend to own emotions | Trust gut instincts | 5 |
| Only see a doctor you trust | 2 | |
| Stay calm | 1 | |
| Acquire knowledge | Educate self about medical condition, medications, insurance | 18 |
| Check out doctor beforehand | 6 | |
| Consult family or friends in health care | 4 | |
| Check out hospital or emergency center | 1 | |
| Actively communicate | Ask questions of the doctor | 11 |
| Give more information about medical condition to doctor | 8 | |
| Be assertive with office staff | 8 | |
| Make sure you get heard by doctors and health care workers | 5 | |
| Tell doctor what you expect and want from visit | 5 | |
| Tell the physician about system and staff problems | 3 | |
| Advocacy | Be a self-advocate | 12 |
| Bring or be an advocate for others | 8 | |
| Get a second opinion | 4 | |
| Explain why you changed doctors | 2 | |
| Be willing to fight | 1 | |
| Be a policy-level advocate | 1 | |