Information that helps a doctor figure out and treat my problems
Starts with "O". Let's talk about "when".
O- Onset - When did this start? When did you notice the problem?
Tell me why...
What is the "Reason for visit"?
This can be generic or specific
What is the NAME of the medicine?
The one who can best identify my current symptoms, knows my history the best, and can do things to see what works and what doesn't
Who is ME (the patient)?
Starts with "P". It can help identify both the problem and "possible " solutions
What is P "Provocation"/"Palliation" ( What things make the problem better or worse, What brings it on or makes it go away)
Official information that helps identify you
What are Personal Identifiers? Examples are: date of birth & social security number
This may be ordered by Mg, ML, or how many pills/tablets/packets
What is the DOSE? (How much to take)
They do the tests and exams to find the problem , then order medicine that helps most people with similar problems
Who is the doctor/psychiatrist?
Starts with "Q". A word to help describe the pain or problem: examples me be " sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, aching, or pressure"
What is Quality? - (this is descriptive regarding what it feels like to you)
Show me the money! This tells who is paying for your medical care
What is insurance information?
This is HOW you do it
What is the ROUTE of the medication? ( by mouth, by needle, on my skin?)
The person who can help me find places to live, connect me to services in the community, and set up things like my benefts and insurance
Who is my social worker?
Starts with "R" - this describes the "where"
What are "Region" and "Radiation"?- This describes where the problem occurs and if it is felt anywhere else as well
Let's talk about the past ...
What is " your health history" (past illnesses/ surgeries, hospitalizations, or immunizations)-
Details , details, details - one example would be "with or without food?"
What are Special Considerations? This tells me if there are special instructions for taking this medicine.
The person with medical training that helps me follow the suggestions from the doctors, meet my basic daily health needs, and communicate my problems back to my doctors
Who is my nurse/ aide?
Starts with "S". This can be a little , a lot , or somewhere in between
What is Severity? - (How bad is it? This may be on a 1-10 scale , or by comparing it to other problems you've had before.)
These are bad reactions you've had to medications, food, or other things in the environment
What are allergies?
When ?
What is the Time(s) the medicine is due?
People I can talk to about big issues like spirituality.
Who is my church/ spiritual advisor
Starts with "T". Seconds? Minutes? hours? days? weeks?
What is Time? (when does it happen and how long does it last? is it reoccurring? Sudden? Chronic?)
Who ya gonna call?
What is an emergency contact?
What's the point?
What is "REASON " for the medication or "Why you take it" ?
The people I can turn to for companionship and fun, as well as to just hang out or talk. These people help me find the balance between work and play and help decrease my stress and feel less lonely
Who are my friends/family/rec. workers?
We are family...
What is my family health history (if I knnow it)?
Unintended consequences
What are SIDE EFFECTS? These can be very minor and easy to find solutions for, serious ones that should be reported to your doctor right away.
The people who have experience working with other people with problems like mine. They listen and help me sort through my thoughts and feelings to identify coping skills and a plan that might work in addition to my medicines
Who is my psychologist/therapist?
The people who help me figure out the working world and help me with practice getting and keeping a job
Who is my job coach/ co-worker/ VAS worker
People who have the same problems as me and can help me work through them. Sometimes they are part of a program with meetings
Who are peer specialists/ support groups?