Thanks you, what do you do to initiate this conversation? is there any good way to open such a conversation?
I think much depends why you are there; whether to discuss a problem or for a review.
If I'm there for a problem/new consultation, say, the HCP will usually open asking something like, "How can I help today?"
In that case, I'd normally just go into the reason I'm there - not feeling great. or leg hurts or whatever, and describe my symptoms/the problem and let them resopnd. If all that seems to go pretty well, I just let the consultation take its course, then as it's winding uo just take a moment to ask myself if all my concerns have been addressed, and if not, I'll ask if we can touch on x,y or z.
If I've gone for a review, or I want something, like a referal for something, I will likely have done much more thinking and planning than for something acute. I'll always have a few bulletpoints written down (with sub-bullets if necessary), and at a review I bring those notes into view, so that the HCP knows I have an agenda, or points I want covered.
Sometimes the HCP will ask if we can share the notes and work through them together, and others just let them be, but they know they're there.
Sometimes those notes will almost be like a decision tree - if this response, what do I want then, and if that response, what do I want. Those notes show the HCP you've been thinking about this appointment and that you think it's serious, rather than being there just because you feel obliged.
In my experience, Medics don't mind this, and if fact, my GP will now sometimes start winding up the discussion by asking how we've done on the list today, or if there's anything else on my list. I sort of find those notes engage the HCP mor ein what I want, rather than wholly focusing on ticking their own boxes.
It's quite dynamic, and develops over time, both for yourself, and for those you consult with, if they're consistent. I've been doing meetings of all sorts like this for years - partly because it makes me think about the meeting, and if I can't think of a reason for the meeting, I'll challenge the need, so I know when I get there there will be an outcome.
There's nothing worse than coming out of a meeting thinking, "well, that's x minutes or hours I'll never get back".
Good luck with it all. My suggested starting point for you would be to write down what you want from the meeting, then prioritise those points, then decide if your wish list is credible. If it isn't credible, then have another look at it.
Just don't forget it's your appointment, and the HCPs are there to faciltate the best outcomes for you. That's their job, even if you might have to help them to understand what that best outcome might be (carb counting/change of insulin, or a pump,.... whatever).
Good luck with it all.
