In advance of a good visit, a fourth of parents often prepare a list of questions to ask the provider, while a little over half said they sometimes wrote things down and about a fifth said they never do.
Meanwhile, about a fifth of parents say they often write down information about their child’s health changes, while half say they sometimes take this step and three in ten don’t do this at all.
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Well child visits are busy, and at the moment, it’s easy for parents to forget to bring up questions or concerns with a doctor. Writing them down ahead of time will help prioritize topics that have helped them to get the most out of the appointment.
Less than 15 % of parents say they often research information online to discuss with the provider, while about half sometimes do and 38% never do.
Many pediatricians and care providers will bring these topics up themselves, but not always. It’s always helpful for parents to do some homework ahead of time to make sure they’re aware of any timely topics affecting their child’s age group.
Why Should Parents Prepare For Well Child Visit?
Two in five parents say they often take steps to prepare their child for an upcoming well visit by addressing any fears they may have, slightly more than that sometimes do this, and a little less than one in five never do this. A fourth of parents often also offer rewards for cooperating while less than half sometimes use such incentives.
For parents of children aged 6-12, a little more than one in five also regularly ask the child to think about questions for the provider. As kids approach puberty, their bodies begin to change. A well visit is a great opportunity to have the provider explain why these changes happen.
Having kids think about health topics themselves is also good practice for when they get older and parents become less involved with health visits. Preparing for this transition early will benefit them when they need to take more ownership of their health.
Most parents also recall completing questionnaires and checklists about their child at well visits. Among these parents, the majority say they understand the purpose, but just about three-fourths say they receive feedback about how their child is doing.
Seeing Providers Familiar with Your Child’s History
Nearly half of the parents schedule well visits with their child’s regular provider, even if they have a long wait for an appointment. A third of parents also strongly agree their child is more likely to follow advice if it comes from a provider their child knows well.
For their child’s most recent well visit, more than half of parents also rate the provider as excellent for knowing the child’s health history, answering all their questions, and giving recommendations that are realistic for the family.
A primary care physician familiar with a child and their specific health history will help them stay healthy, and prevent disease and illness by identifying risk factors and taking the right steps to manage chronic disease care.
Nurturing a relationship with a primary care provider means that the health professional who knows your child well is the best way to provide individualized care and help your family navigate important health decisions.
Source: Eurekalert
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