Are you prepared to take your child to the hospital for medical treatment?

Are you prepared to take your child to the hospital for medical treatment?

In many cities, whether it is a pediatric specialty hospital or a comprehensive pediatric department in a general hospital, outpatient visits often involve long waiting times due to the high number of patients. Furthermore, because of the large patient volume, the time doctors can spend with each patient is relatively short. Therefore, providing a complete medical history of the child to the doctor based on the parent's description is of utmost importance for an accurate diagnosis. During the medical consultation, parents should pay attention to the following points:

(1) Preparing before the consultation: Before seeking medical care, it is essential to mentally prepare the child, explaining that they need to see a doctor at the hospital because they are unwell. After arriving at the hospital, there will be many unfamiliar people, and the child should be reassured not to be afraid. When the doctor examines the child, the child should cooperate and avoid crying or being fussy. Before leaving home, dress the child in easily removable clothing, avoiding one-piece dresses or clothes that are excessively thick and complicated to take off, as this may delay the doctor's examination. If the child has been treated at another clinic before, it is necessary to bring relevant medical records or examination reports for the doctor's reference.

(2) Concise and accurate description of the symptoms: For example, "abdominal pain for half a day" or "fever for 5 days." It is important to provide clear details about when the fever started, its severity, temperature fluctuations, and any other accompanying symptoms. It is unnecessary to suggest personal ideas about the child's diagnosis and treatment to the doctor.

(3) Detailed and specific responses during the medical history inquiry: For example, when the doctor asks about the child's frequency of diarrhea each day, provide the exact number of times, avoiding vague responses such as "several times." Focus on providing the doctor with information about the onset of the child's illness, primary symptoms, and previous diagnosis and treatment to help the doctor assess the condition quickly.

(4) Providing essential information about the child: Provide the child's actual age (in years) and weight, as this helps the doctor calculate medication dosage. If necessary, provide the child's medical history, including past treatments and examinations, and their effects. Inform the doctor about any known allergies the child may have to certain medications.

(5) Respecting the doctor's diagnosis and treatment advice: Doctors base their diagnosis and treatment on medical theory and clinical experience. While parents may have their own ideas about their child's condition, they can communicate with the doctor during the consultation. However, it is essential to follow the doctor's advice, especially when dealing with complex or severe conditions, so as not to interfere with the child's treatment.

(6) Treating a child's illness requires more than just the doctor's efforts: Because parents are the ones raising and caring for the child, they often have a better understanding of the child's condition. If parents have knowledge about pediatric infections and the appropriate use of antibiotics, they can provide timely assistance to the doctor during critical treatment periods. In such situations, parents may be the most helpful assistant to the doctor, and they can even ensure the correct administration of medications by reminding the doctor if needed, avoiding any medical oversights that may harm the child. Parents must also acquire basic first aid knowledge, as they play a crucial role in providing on-the-spot emergency treatment when a child sustains an accidental injury or is in critical condition. When a child is undergoing antibiotic treatment, if parents possess relevant knowledge and have carefully read the medication instructions before administering the drug, they can promptly contact the doctor if the child experiences symptoms similar to potential side effects, thereby avoiding harm to the child.

(7) Post-consultation precautions: Hospitals are places where patients congregate, making them susceptible to cross-infections. After the consultation is complete, avoid lingering in the hospital for an extended period; instead, promptly leave with the child. If the child requires intravenous treatment, the initial administration should be conducted at the hospital and not done at home to prevent unexpected risks. For oral medications, make sure to ask about the dosage and administration methods, and use the medication according to the drug's instructions.