Do you need more information about your treatment?

Feeling uncertain or confused about your treatment can be a source of distress and this can impact on longer term outcomes. It is important to consider whether you feel satisfied with your understanding of your treatment. If you feel unsatisfied, you may benefit from further information about your treatment. Discuss any needs you have for further information with the healthcare professionals involved in your care. 

Further information about treatment can help improve understanding, support informed decision-making and help with preparing psychologically for treatment. Seeking information helps some people feel in control of the aspects of their care over which they have control. However, others may find further information overwhelming and distraction can be more helpful. It is important to know whether you need further information and if seeking such information feels uncomfortable, perhaps someone else such as a family member or friend could support you with this.

Research suggests that it is important for people to understand what will happen during treatment, when it will happen and how it will happen. Knowing what to expect such as what the treatment may feel like, possible sensations and side-effects can help with psychological preparation. Likewise, it is also important to have a sense of what to expect following treatment. An awareness of the challenges you may face following treatment is likely to enhance your perceived ability to manage such challenges.