I plan on going to my MRI results appointment on my own this Friday and read on another breastcancer forum that it is perfectly reasonable for women who do go to their appts. alone, to ask if they can audio tape the consultation-just so I can take it all in when I get home later. Im interested in your thoughts on this? I don’t want the consultant to think I will use the recording in court! or anything sinnister like that-but as we all know, when in a heightened state of anxiety-it’s difficult to remember everything said, and though I plan on taking notes, and I realise the nurse will too, I am confident neither one of us will get everything down on paper. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and don’t want to miss anything as a result of my emotional state.
On another note-but somewhat related…I honestly cannot believe how many decisions BC patients have to make-it’s one decision after another. For this reason, I want to be fully informed (and not miss anything from the consult) before I make any decisions.
With that, do you think it’s a reasonable request or will I compromise my relationship with him/will it undermine the BC nurse?
Hi Marla, if you ask your consultant how they feel about it then I see nothing wrong in having an audio record rather than written. I just took a notepad with me and jotted down my questions in advance and left a space between each question for the answer. I understand your perfectionist nature as I can be a bit that way sometimes but its a time when you need to let go of the control a little bit. Is there anything in particular worrying you? xxx
I recorded all of my consultations with oncologists, radiologists and surgeons when I was diagnosed back in 2013. I actually didn’t think to ask whether they minded or not. Perhaps very naughty of me. It was my daughter who came up with the idea after I could hardly remember a thing that was said to me on diagnosis. The thing is, that when I listened to the recordings later, I realised that I had focused on the negatives and that there were quite a few positives that I hadn’t heard. Made me feel so much better when I listened to the replays. Would def do the same again and would highly recommend it to new patients. Hope you hear loads of positives at your appointment. Ann X X
Hi Marla,
Many pros are ok with this, as long as their permission is sought first. I remember a consultant who even encouraged it, as of course, they understand that patients are stressed at appointments.
I can’t talk for all practitoners, but as long as you ask first, there should be no problem.
Recording someone without their consent, is a complete no no, of course.
ann x
I’m very sorry if my reply was taken out of context. I do not advocate following my example by not seeking permission before recording consultations. Rather I was trying to communicate how much comfort they gave me through treatment and beyond. Also, after talking this over with my daughter, she assured me that she DID talk to consultants etc prior to recording. My mind really wasn’t on such matters at a very distressing and stressful time. Hope this clears things up.