The "How to Prepare for a GP Consult" One
As children get older it is important to allow them to engage and get involved when visiting the doctor
You can always start by performing role play of doctor-patient at home, so the child is aware of what will happen during the consultation. This will help your child understand what to expect at the consultation and will allow them time to ask questions.
Find a GP that you trust & can easily communicate with
If the carers or parents like the doctor, the chances are your bubba will too! If you don’t have your own GP or are new to the area, ask around and speak to your friends for trusted recommendations. I always recommend that you do a quick google search, as most medical centres have bios on doctors. You will be looking for a doctor advertising interest in paediatric health, this means the doctor will most likely have extra training in this area.
I generally advise my patients not to come in with a list of problems at once - it is hard to give every complaint the appropriate matter of time and attention it deserves. Therefore, we generally encourage you to visit your doctor more frequently for general reviews and as needed for the more urgent reviews. This also helps you establish a better relationship with the doctor. Your child will be more familiar with the doctor, the environment and thus likely feel more comfortable during the consultation.
Plan ahead
I know this may be a difficult ask, but if you can try to plan the visit. Schedule the visit around bubbas nap and feeding times. Most doctor visits unfortunately, will include some waiting time, so be sure to pack snacks or toys to keep bubba entertained. I also recommended bubba is dressed in easy to remove clothing for when the doctor wishes to examine the child examination (I generally prefer the zipper onesies). This means less disruption for the child and hopefully a smooth sailing examination.
Prepare for questions like this
The doctor will ask you what your most pressing concerns are (if possible, try to list these prior to the appointment). If concerned about movements or behaviour, try to get a video recording before the appointment.
The Doctor may ask other questions related to your concerns. They will also ask general questions such as
→ Birthing history
→ Background medical history
→ Family history
→ Any medications (prescribed or OTC) and whether immunisations are up to date.
→ Any allergies
→ Eating and drinking history
→ How many wet nappies
→ How many poos/consistencies of poos
→ Nausea or vomiting
→ Irritability/fatigue/drowsiness
→ Pain
→ Rashes
→ Temperatures at home
→ Contact with sick people/day care or recent travel
→ Specific symptom questions
→ Any management that you may have commenced and how the child has responded
Examining your child
I always advise that the more obstructive examinations (ears and throat) are left to last.
Once the doctor has examined the child, they will discuss the findings with you and discuss a management plan
It is important you ask the follow questions before you leave
→ What is the diagnosis?
→ Does my child need medication? If so, how much and for how long? Does this need to be given with food? What are the side effects of this medication?
→ Do you need to review my child's progress later in the week? (This is great safety netting and something I recommend with all my paediatric patients, even for mild illnesses)
→ What are signs of worsening illness that I should be monitoring for?
→ What should I do if s/he is not improving?
→ Is there anything else I should be aware of?
→ If your child goes to day care, it is important to ask how long your child will be contagious and when they can return to day care.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Mariam Chaalan is a family doctor, clinical researcher and most importantly a mother to rainbow twin boys.
Dr Chaalan is very passionate about evidence-based preventative medicine and providing holistic care for all her patients, human rights, clinical research (for which she also works as a clinical investigator), health literacy and leadership.
She has trained in hospitals across Australia and has spent time abroad working in remote communities in Africa. She incorporates years of experience and expertise in the area of mental and physical health by addressing issues pertaining to women’s wellbeing.
If she’s not working in the clinic or lab, you will find her improving health literacy on Instagram and Tik Tok @ask.the.dr.
She also is using this platform to work alongside @pinkelephantssupport to support parents navigating the journey of miscarriage and infertility, something that Mariam holds very dear to her heart.