Why a health support team is your secret to getting and staying well 

Maybe you love your primary care provider (PCP). (We sure hope you do!) But no matter how great they are, they don’t know everything about medicine. Nobody does. For example, a cardiologist would be your go-to for a heart condition. But you want to see an eye doctor if you’re having vision problems. 

That’s why when you’re dealing with a condition like diabetes or heart disease, it helps to have a group of professionals with different areas of expertise on your side who can help you handle a range of concerns. That’s exactly what a health support team is.    

Health support teams are helpful in managing any complex condition. That includes chronic illnesses like cancer and mental health conditions like depression. The right team can help you create a plan for staying healthy. In fact, research shows that having a care team improves the safety, efficiency, and quality of your healthcare.   

Your team may range from a few health experts to 10 or more. The size and mix of the team depend on your personal needs. Here are some top team players and their roles.  

Primary care provider   

Think of your PCP as the leader of the pack. You may have several different specialists who don’t usually talk to each other. Your PCP can create one care plan from all their suggestions. They are your go-to when you have questions about your health or care plan.  And their answers are more personalized. That’s thanks to their deeper understanding of your conditions and care.    

Registered nurse  

Nurses aren’t just there to take your height and weight. They can be a great resource for many areas of your health. They can: 

• Answer your questions about your diagnoses and treatments 
• Share ideas for making healthy lifestyle changes 
• Help with handling advice from other care team members    

Social worker 

Social workers can offer emotional and social support for you and your family. They can also connect you with helpful resources. This may include getting access to:  

• Safe housing 
• Healthy foods  
• Rides to doctor’s visits 

Mental health specialist 

Many people with chronic conditions deal with anxiety and depression. This is especially true if you have chronic pain. Counseling may help. Think about reaching out to a psychologist or social worker. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication if you need it.     

Care manager  

A care manager is there to help you navigate the healthcare system. They keep tabs on your medical records and log your progress. Along the way, they can help you stay on top of your treatments and make sure they’re working. They can also help you get added services and resources if you need them. Having trouble paying for care or medications? A care manager can help you find solutions.  

Pharmacist  

A pharmacist does more than fill prescriptions. They check doses and can tell you about possible drug side effects. They also can warn you about drug interactions. And they can suggest different drugs if needed.   

Physical, occupational, and speech therapists 

Sometimes after an illness, like a stroke, you may have trouble with basic life tasks. You might struggle to walk, talk, or get dressed. Therapists can teach you how to do these skills again. And they can help you get tools, like wheelchairs and scooters, that help you with daily living tasks.  

Dietitian 

Diet is often part of treating a health problem. That's especially true with conditions like:  

• High blood pressure 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Diabetes  
• Certain cancers   

A dietitian can create a meal plan that’s good for you.      

Healthcare advocate 

As the name suggests, a health advocate is there for your support. They can help you figure out the right health benefits for your needs. And what questions to ask your care team. You can also ask them to go with you to doctor’s visits.    

What you need to know 

The key to getting the most out of your relationship with every team member: good communication. To build a strong foundation, ask these questions every time you have a visit with a new member of your health support team:   

• How can you help me with my health?   
• How will you talk with other members of my care team?   
• How does your care plan fit into my overall health plan?   
• What symptoms should I tell you about?   
• How often should I see you?   
• How will I know that my treatments are working?   

When you have the right team working with you, you can feel good you’re doing all you can for your health.   

Article source: 

Teamwork in medical care: Harvard Medical School