Final Facilitator Guide - EngenderHealth

Section 9bottle with the label so the doctor can identify the medicine by its name.Many pills have the same color and shape, so it is not always possible toidentify the medicine just by looking at the tablets.Communicating about Conditions and SymptomsFacilitator’s Guide4Adherence to Treatment for HIVWhen people are with a doctor they are usually anxious and worriedthat they may forget to ask something they wanted to ask. Therefore,they start telling the doctor all their symptoms at one time. It is betterto let the doctor ask questions and then give specific answers to eachquestion. If the person brings a checklist of what they want to ask ortell the doctor, then they can consult their list and make sure everythingis covered during the visit. The person should be sure to provide thedoctor with complete information about all conditions and symptoms.Pointing to the areas affected by the symptoms and describing thefeeling in this area is a good way to do this.Asking QuestionsPeople living with HIV have a right to receive an explanation of theircondition. Doctors sometimes assume that people living with HIV knowmuch more about their condition or about their medication than he orshe actually does. So if one does not have a lot of information theyneed to be sure to ask questions. They can ask the doctor directlyduring the visit or they can make an appointment to speak with someoneelse (such as a counselor). Some of the important questions to askare: “What is wrong?” “What is the cause of my condition?” “What areadvantages and disadvantages of treatment options?”Being Honest132Being honest may mean sharing some very personal information, suchas about lifestyle or embarrassing habits. But it is in the person’s best