Being prepared is important to effectively advocate for the right health care and to help a person understand their health care needs. One part of this preparation is to gather the appropriate information about the person’s health care needs from their health care provider. This requires knowing some key questions to ask health care providers about the person’s care such as:

• What are the different treatment options?
• What outcome should the person expect?
• How long will the person be in hospital?
• What type of follow-up appointments will there be and by whom?
• What are common side effects or symptoms?
• Is there anything to look out for that would indicate a complication or side effect that would require medical attention?
• Is there anything that can be done to minimize symptoms or impact?
• How will substance use impact treatment?
• How will this treatment impact the person’s daily routine?