Training Tip - Communicating with HealthCare Professionals

Not sure how to get what you need from healthcare professionals?

​MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
"Because dance is a physically demanding practice and profession, dancers are necessarily in tune with their bodies. They must also monitor their mental and emotional health because dancing can provide psychological and social challenges. For these reasons, dancers benefit from working with practitioners who recognize these factors and work collaboratively with them to find solutions. The following tips can help dancers communicate effectively with health-care professionals and make the most of their appointments:

• Find a practitioner who has experience working with dancers. 
• Prepare for your appointment. Bring a list of your symptoms and questions, medications and dosages, the name and contact information of those who should receive a copy of your report, and the HDC Communication Form.
• Take a patient advocate to your appointment if necessary. 

• Describe your symptoms accurately, and be honest about your current reality and intentions. 
• Understand your diagnosis and treatment plan.  

• Adhere to your treatment plan." (Andrea Downie & Amber Downie-Back, 2019)

​Learn more about how to communicate effectively with your healthcare team in The Dance Current article, Dancer and Doctors, by Andrea Downie and Amber Downie-Back.