How do I prepare questions before an operation?
Ask about the choices, risks and help you may need.
Ask why the operation is being offered. How might it help? What are the risks and other choices? What may happen if you wait or do not have it?
Tell the team what matters to you. Ask who will do it and how long it may take to get well. What help will you need at home?
Get your own written steps for food, drink and medicines from the care team. AI must not set these rules for you.
- Write the questions you most want answered.
- Ask how the care may help, its risks and your choices.
- Ask how pain will be managed and what to expect at home.
- Check who will help you get home and whom to call later.
- Read the plan. Ask about unclear parts before you agree.
Make a short list of questions before surgery. Ask how it may help, the risks, other choices, how to get ready, care at home and costs. Ask whom to call. Do not give fasting times or drug changes.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Making a list does not mean you have agreed to surgery. Ask for the time and help you need.
Sources and more help
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