Dr Aiswarya Thomas and two medical residents at Danbury Hospital presented “Building Health Partnerships: How to Collaborate With Your Doctor for Better Care,” May 5 in the meeting room of C.H. Booth Library.

Thomas is the executive medical director of Danbury Hospital Academic Internal Medicine Clinic and assistant program director of Danbury Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Adult Community Health Center Nuvance Health. She was joined by Danbury Hospital Internal Medicine Residents Dr Manya Kumar and Dr Samir Chaudhry.

The presenters discussed the importance of collaborating with a person’s health care team and the positive effects it has on health outcomes. The program continued the “Timeless Newtown: Embracing Every Generation” initiative of Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS), C.H. Booth Library, and the Town of Newtown Commission on Aging. The series strives to counteract the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging.

All ages are encouraged to attend the myriad events, the majority being presented free of charge.

The presenters on Monday said research shows that a collaborative patient-doctor partnership builds trust and satisfaction, while reducing errors in treatment. The improved outcomes for patients and lower costs associated with a careful treatment plan developed cooperatively are at the heart of what physicians want to see for their patients.

Such a collaboration starts with the patient taking time to prepare for their appointment by carefully listing all the medications they are taking, including supplements and over the counter medications. The patient should also list symptoms they are having and any changes they note in their general health and condition. Routine issues such as weight gain or loss, fevers, chills, swelling, pains, appetite and sleep changes. Finally, a listing of family history of disease or health issues should be compiled.

On the day of appointment that information should all be gathered along with a health log and notes and/or questions for the doctor.

Patients should be clear and concise about their concerns. They should be honest with their health practitioner especially about such issues as sudden changes in health status and level of pain.

Clarify options for treatment and next steps. Before leaving an appointment, patients should review any treatment plan the doctor has outlined, make another appointment to follow up, and take plenty of notes so details are not forgotten.

The presentation by the doctors was done in terms all could understand and often with some humor, according to Friends of Newtown Seniors President John Boccuzzi. Questions were answered throughout the presentation and issues were discussed that went beyond the original scope of the presentation.

Concerns about health insurance, use of the portals being used by all practices now, how to best ensure information is shared between specialists and a primary care physician, and the role of hospital clinics in health care and how to get the most out of the resources available were all addressed.

All members of the audience were appreciative of the candor and clarity of the team from Nuvance, Boccuzzi also noted.

Upcoming & A New Addition

In closing, participants were reminded of upcoming activities related to the Timeless Newtown series including “The Latest Research On Aging” by Jenna Bartley, PhD (UConn Health Center), May 21 at 3 pm at the library; and “Make an Herb Dish Garden to Snazzy-Up Meals,” led by members of The Garden Club of Newtown, June 4 at Newtown Senior Center (time TBA).

Details about these and other Timeless Newtown programs are available in The Newtown Bee calendars, in print and online.

Just announced last week is a new addition to the Timeless Newtown Series. John Boccuzzi Jr will relate his years of lived business and personal experiences in “Silver Linings: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities.” The program is scheduled for Thursday, June 5; location and time TBA.