Is recording a medical appointment acceptable?

[Armadale]

I have an appointment next week I am really nervous about.

I think it would help me to record it, but would this be acceptable?

Would you ask first or just brazenly show up with the recorder on?

Do you think it would seem a hostile thing to do or would they understand?

As a doctor, the key would be how (and if) you asked.

If you were up front and said 'I'm very anxious and think I may forget stuff, I'd like to record this consultation please?' no-one would say no and they would completely understand.

For example I had a patient with a big family, one relative stayed and asked if she could record it so the rest of the family would know what was going on (which the patient agreed with) and this was fine, I was a bit taken aback and nervous but I actually forgot she was doing it.

Brazenly turning up with it on and not asking permission is unfortunately a guaranteed way to make your HCP dislike you.

I'm not 100% but to use anything like that as "evidence" I'm sure the person needs to know they've been recorded hence the signs saying that shops have CCTV etc sure someone will correct me if I'm talking out my bum tho :)

It depends on y u want to record it I suppose but if I were being recorded I think I would like to know x

Its illegal if you don't tell them.

If you ask its fine. Though you have to sign a sheet same as for release of medical records. Just so that say you medicial info ends up in the wrong hands or in the newspapers, eg breaching confidentiality the hospital can't be blamed.

If you're nervous they will happily right stuff down for you and if they know in advance will look up lots of info sheets etc. Its preferable to saying I want to record you, its a bit like I don't trust you.

Thank you for replying, Kundry.

It is what I thought, to be honest, I would want someone to ask me before doing so!

I'm just a little bit unsure how to phrase it. I will have a think.

(My reasons aren't really the same as the ones you mentioned, and I'm worried that being honest might make me seem hostile, which I don't want to do. It is with a MW and I might have to seem them again, so need to try and keep the relationship cordial).

Try and use your imagination - do you have a DP who can't be there and is worried? Are there lots of facts you might not remember? Do you want to be sure you've asked all the questions?

She can't really say no but unfortunately HCPs are human beings and the last thing you want is everyone walking on eggshells around you as you will end up with less good care and support, as even subconsciously some people will change their behaviour.

Kundry you are kind to try and help me, thank you. You sound like a very nice doctor.

I was thinking of saying something along the lines of 'because this is my 6th pregnancy, I find it distressing to talk about it all sometimes. Would you mind if I recorded it so I can try and take it in better at home'

That is absolutely true, but not the whole truth iyswim, which is that I would also feel very vulnerable not having a record because when I lost my son late in the PG, the MW's attending were dishonest about what they had/hadn't done which left me and DH in the position of later trying to prove what the truth was, and I don't want to ever be in that situation again.

Do you think saying you find it distressing would be a good enough reason?

OK, what about 'I'm very nervous in this pregnancy having lost my last baby. Is it OK if I record this consultation?'

You don't need to give any more detail than that as any midwife worth her salt could see you are going to be hypervigilant about everything this time round.

Very sorry your your loss, I hope your pregnancy goes well for you.

Oh yes that is much better, thanks.

I'm so worked up about it all I can't seem to sort it out in my own head.

I have written down your wording in my diary to use.

& thanks for the good wishes, I have everything crossed it will be 6th time lucky for us.

Armadale sorry for ur loss I completely understand u feeling this way hope ur appointment goes well and u have a happy & healthy pregnancy x x x

Armadale how awful for you ,no wonder you're anxious .

I think it's a good idea to record the conversation . I always find that while I can ,if I write them down and try very hard ,get my questions across ,I very often miss the reply .

Sometimes this is because you ( or your companion ) just can't stop the conversation with a " hold on while I write that down " especially if the reply requires more questions to clarify it . But often I think it's because the question has actually been ignored or passed off with a "well everyone is different " which I know is true but surely doesn't preclude some detail or the HCP has gone on to something else .

I think a recoding would help you sort out what questions you'd like to persue ,rather than coming away thinking "oh I asked that the last 3 times ,I must be stupid if I still don't understand " when really it's because they've avoided answering .

Good luck .

armadale, hi, I am a currently non practising midwife but spent 15 years in antenatal clinics. I am so sorry for your loss.

I would have no objection at all to having the consultation recorded. Is it your Booking appt?

Knowing the amount of info you have given I would expect you to be referred for full or almost full consultant care with regular scans and dopplers anyway.

Wishing you a safe and happy outcome.

Hi Matilda, thanks for replying, it is appreciated.

Yes it is a booking in appointment. GP says he can cover all routine MW appointments afterwards, but can't do this one, it has to be 'official'

I am having scans fortnightly at the moment through the EPU, and this will probably continue in antenatal, so not sure how much the MW will have left to do, and I know my consultant already through the Recurrent Miscarriage Unit, so know they will be fine, it is just the thought of the first MW appointment.

It is really helpful to know you would have no objection as a MW.

Thanks for the good wishes, mummyto2boysandagirl3

Ginger that is a really good point about missing answers at the time, thanks