You have an upcoming doctor’s appointment for a persistent stomach ache, and you’re feeling a bit nervous about how to explain your symptoms to the doctor. As you finally meet the doctor, they begin asking a series of questions, leaving you wishing you had the answers ready. Questions like “Has anything worsened the pain?” or “Does the pain change throughout the day?”
Fear not; there’s a systematic approach to these questions. In this article, I’ll share eight key things to keep in mind when discussing a health concern with your doctor. This method is taught in medical school and is used by doctors to address new patient concerns effectively. Let’s use a car analogy to understand this medical approach. Imagine you, the patient, as the car, and the doctor as the mechanic. Even though I’m no expert on cars, this analogy will help illustrate the process. The medical system we use employs the mnemonic OPQRSTA, with each letter representing a critical aspect of the evaluation:
1) O for Onset: When did the pain start, and what were you doing at the time? Differentiating between pain that’s been present for months and pain that just started is crucial.
- Car analogy: “This car sound has been present for months. I noticed it when I took a sharp turn one day.”
2) P for Provokes: What provokes the pain, and what makes it better? Does it coincide with certain activities or improve after certain events?
- Car analogy: “I notice the sound every time I turn left.”
3) Q for Quality: Describe the pain – is it sharp, dull, burning, etc.?
- Car analogy: “The sound is like a loud rattling.”
4) R for Region: Where is the pain located, and does it radiate anywhere else?
- Car analogy: “I can hear the sound on the left side of the car; it doesn’t seem to come from other areas.”
5) S for Severity: On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being unbearable pain, how would you rate the pain?
- Car analogy: “The noise is extremely loud, even with the windows down.”
6) T for Time Course: Is there a pattern to the pain/symptoms? Does it worsen or improve at specific times of the day?
- Car analogy: “I usually notice the noise right after starting the car.”
7) A for Associated Symptoms: Have you noticed any other symptoms along with the pain, such as fevers, headaches, etc.?
- Car analogy: “My steering wheel becomes stiff with the sound, and the car shakes a bit during turns.”
8) In some cases, the doctor may ask you what you think the issue could be, especially if it’s a recurring problem you’re familiar with. The Car analogy for that would be: “This happened before 2 years ago, and the mechanic said I needed to get the steering system checked after 3000 miles.”
By following the OPQRSTA method, you can provide your doctor with valuable information about your symptoms, helping them make a more accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. Don’t forget that you know your body best, and together with your doctor’s expertise, you can work towards maintaining your health and well-being.
