Finding Providers Who Are “All-In”
It is good to have medical providers who work with your child and family as a team. One parent described these providers as being “all-in”. This means they will respect your family’s beliefs and decisions and be a trusted partner and resource. There are different ways to find this type of provider, including the following.
- Ask for recommendations from parent groups or disease-specific organizations. Other families can be a valuable resource. They have experiences they can share with you. Keep in mind, however, that everyone’s experiences can differ. Look for a good fit for your family.
- Connect with a social worker who works in health care. There are hospital-based pediatric social workers or case managers who can help you find providers who can meet your family’s needs.
- Research medical journal articles related to your child’s condition and make note of the authors and what hospitals they are from. These doctors are more likely to have treated patients that are similar, participated in research, etc.
Think of your first visit with a new provider as an interview. You are interviewing them for an important position in your child’s life. It is okay to ask questions. In fact, this is vital! First and foremost, you should feel comfortable. If you are comfortable, most likely your child will be too. Look for signs that the doctor is open to learning and sharing. You want a provider who will actively listen to you and your concerns. They should be supportive and talk to you—not at you.
Good relationships take time and work, but your child’s care will benefit from these efforts. More importantly, you are modeling good health partnerships for your child.
“Look for allies through finding connections with other parents and providers. Once you find that connection, trust usually follows, which in turn helps the (care) navigation process.”