Planning

Question list: Diagnosis, prognosis and treatment

Receiving a diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment plan can be overwhelming, especially if the information about the condition and its severity wasn't clearly communicated. It can be difficult to know what to ask on the spot, so it’s helpful to come prepared with a set of questions for your doctor to make the most of your appointment.

We've put together a list of questions to help you better understand the illness and what to expect. It's okay if you can't cover all these questions in one meeting; you can always schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss any remaining concerns. You have the right to be well-informed so you can actively participate in treatment decisions.

Understanding the diagnosis

A diagnosis confirms your illness or condition based on your symptoms, examinations, and test results. It can be overwhelming, especially if there were no prior indications of the diagnosis or its severity.

Here are some questions that can help you understand your diagnosis better:

How exactly was this diagnosis determined?
What is the current stage or severity of the illness?
How certain are you about the diagnosis?
Are additional tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?
Are there any underlying conditions contributing to this illness?
How should I monitor my condition and what signs should I watch for?

Understanding the prognosis

A prognosis is a prediction of how an illness might progress and what the likely outcomes could be. This may include how long someone might live with or without treatment, often expressed in terms of days, weeks, months, or years. Terms like "terminal" or "incurable" might be used when the condition can’t be cured and is expected to be life-ending.

It's okay if you'd rather not know the prognosis, but being informed can help you and your loved ones plan ahead and make important decisions. Remember, a prognosis is an estimate based on general data and isn’t always completely accurate.

Here are some questions that might help you understand your prognosis better:

What is the expected progression of this illness?
What can I expect in the short, medium and long term?
What factors could influence the progression of the illness (both positively and negatively)?
How will this illness affect daily life and functioning?
Are there any potential complications or new symptoms we should prepare for?

Understanding the treatment plan

When you're introduced to a treatment plan, it's important to understand your options and their potential effects. Your doctor will usually present the standard of care, which is considered the best approach for your condition.

Getting familiar with the treatment plan, including its goals, benefits, and risks, helps you make informed decisions about your care. It allows you and your loved ones to anticipate the treatment course, prepare for any side effects or changes, and actively participate in decision-making to ensure it aligns with your wishes.

Here are some questions that can help you understand your treatment plan better:

What are all of the available treatment options?
What is the goal of each treatment (e.g., cure, control, palliation)?
What are the potential benefits and risks of each treatment? What side effects can be expected?
How will the treatments be administered, and over what duration?
What is the likelihood of success for each treatment option?
Can any of these treatments influence the prognosis?
Are there any alternative or complementary therapies or clinical trials we should consider?
Is palliative care an option at this stage?

Understanding the next steps

It’s important to know what comes next and who will be handling your care. Here are some questions to help you get clear on the next steps: