Appointment Toolkit

"Appointment toolkit" - tips to make the most of your consultation.

Dr Syed Fasihullah and Nick

What to bring:

• GP referral

• List of main reasons for your visit and your three top concerns or questions.

• List of any medications your child is taking, including alternative medications, including the dose (how much and how often).

• Your child's health record booklet and any relevant medical results.

• Any photos or videos that may relate to the concern you have about your child

• For school age children bring a copy of their report, educational assessment or letter from teacher if relevant.

• Relevant reports from therapists.

• A support person such as your partner, your sibling or your parent (child’s grandparent) as another set of ears and to ask questions you mightn’t think of at the time.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD

• Talk to your child about the purpose of the appointment and what they might expect. At Leading Steps the paediatrician will spend a while talking to you and your child

  Paediatricians usually ask a lot of questions and take a careful history to get a full picture of your child’s health or concerns.

  The paediatrician will also likely do an examination to check your child’s health and development.

  You can reassure your child they won’t have any painful procedures at Leading Steps.

• Some children like to be involved in the "appointment toolkit" and can assist with gathering information and adding any questions they might have.

• Children learn best during play, and this may be a time when they feel most comfortable asking any questions regarding fears they may have. You can use a doll or teddy bear to show a young child how the doctor will measure height and weight or demonstrate parts of the routine exam. A toy doctor’s kit can come in handy here, and the child can use it on their toys or family members as part of a pretend doctor’s visit.

• Read an age appropriate book about visiting the doctor so the child feels comfortable about what to expect.

• Leading Steps Paediatric Clinic is purpose built and designed to be attractive and welcoming to children. Our friendly team do all they can to make a visit to the paediatrician a really positive experience.
  

DURING YOUR VISIT:

• Write down anything that is important or that you might forget.

• Ask questions if you don't understand anything the paediatrician says.

AFTER YOUR VISIT:

• Your paediatrician will send a letter back to your GP or referring doctor outlining their plans for the management of your child.

• If the paediatrician orders any tests you will be informed of the results.
  Some tests (like chromosome tests) take up to six weeks, but we will contact you when results are available.