How to prepare for a GP or consultant appointment when you're supporting someone
Appointments can feel over before they have started. There is often a great deal to cover and not much time � and it is easy to leave without having asked the things that mattered most.
This guide covers what to do before, during and after an appointment � so the time is used well and nothing important is missed.
Before the appointment
Write down the three most important concerns
Appointments move quickly. Having the key things written down means they won't be forgotten, however the conversation goes.
List current medications, including doses
GPs and specialists need an accurate picture of what is being taken. Include over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Note any recent changes
New symptoms, changes in sleep, appetite, mood, mobility or pain � especially things that have started or worsened since the last appointment.
Bring relevant letters and test results
If there are recent hospital letters, specialist reports or test results, bring copies. It can also help to have a brief written summary of the person's main conditions and history.
Know what you are hoping for from this appointment
Is the goal to get a diagnosis, a referral, a medication change, a second opinion, or just answers? Being clear on this helps keep the conversation focused.
During the appointment
Take notes
Ask whether it is all right to take notes at the start. Writing things down means the information is there afterwards, even if the appointment felt overwhelming at the time.
Ask for clarification � always
If something is not clear, ask for it to be explained again in simpler terms. There is no question too basic. The appointment exists to help the person, not the clinician.
Ask what the next step is before you leave
What happens after this appointment? Is there a referral, a test, a follow-up? When? Who arranges it?
Ask for written information if something is complex
Many clinicians can provide a printed summary, a patient information leaflet, or can recommend a reliable website. It is reasonable to ask.
Raise the most important things first
If time is running short and there are still important things to cover, say so: 'Before we finish, there are two more things I wanted to ask about.'
After the appointment
- Write up any notes while the appointment is still fresh � even bullet points help
- Check whether anything was promised (a referral letter, test results, a callback) and when to expect it
- Contact the surgery if results or letters promised at the appointment have not arrived within the expected time
- Let the person's GP know what was discussed if they saw a specialist � particularly if there are medication changes
A note on your role as a supporter
Your role is to support the person, not to take over. Let them speak first and follow their lead. There may be things they want to discuss privately with the clinician � that is their right, and it is worth checking beforehand whether they want you in the room for the whole appointment.
If there are things you have noticed at home that feel important � changes in behaviour, appetite, sleep, pain � you can raise these, ideally by saying something like: "Would it be helpful if I mentioned a few things I have noticed at home?" rather than speaking over the person.
How InKindRa can support you
We can help you prepare properly for an appointment � reviewing the key concerns, drafting questions, and making sure nothing important is overlooked. We can also help you make sense of what was said afterwards, particularly when the appointment introduced new information or raised further decisions.
If there are multiple appointments across different teams, or if letters and reports from different clinicians are giving a confusing picture, we can help you work out what everything means and what the next step should be.
Need help applying this to your own situation?
You do not need to have everything organised before getting in touch. InKindRa can help you make sense of what is happening, prepare questions and understand what practical next steps may be needed.
Not sure if this is the right kind of support? Send a short message - no pressure to continue.
Related practical guides:
Would you like help preparing?
If there is an appointment coming up that feels important or complicated, start with a free, no-pressure conversation.
Or call us on 01743 630199