Preparing for appointments
How to read the stories

Preparing for appointments

Before going for a health appointment it will be useful to talk about what will happen. Make sure you understand what the procedure is, what it is for, and any risks and benefits of having it.

If you are supporting someone to go to a healthcare appointment, you might want to help them

explore their feelings
prepare for the procedure
understand what will happen after the procedure
prepare for further checks, if these are necessary

Pictures, like the ones on this app can help to explain some of the things that may happen.

Supporters are encouraged to contact the ward, clinic or surgery before the appointment so that an individual’s special needs can be considered. At the same time, supporters can arrange a visit with the individual.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
•   Who do you think that is?
•   What is happening?
•   How is he or she feeling?
•   Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.