Care and support logistics
Prioritize questions for a professional appointment
Write each question in the person's own words, then ask which matter most and put those first, so they get asked even if time runs short. Add a short supporting note to each, such as when something started, and name the professional best placed to answer.
A text to start with
[Person] has an appointment with [professional or clinic] on [date], with about [length] available. Here are their questions in their own words: [questions]. Help me order them by the importance they gave: [their ranking or notes]. Keep their wording. For each, add a one-line note I supply: [notes]. Do not answer any question or rephrase their concerns.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Appointment question list
Person: [ ] Professional or clinic: [ ] Date and time available: [ ] Who will attend with them: [ ] Question in their words: [ ] Importance they gave it: [ ] Supporting note I observed or was told: [ ] Professional best placed to answer: [ ] Answered at the appointment: [ ] What was said: [ ] Still open: [ ]
Wording that drifts
Compare the final list with what the person actually said. Tidying a question can change its meaning, so check that nothing was softened, merged or reframed in a way they would not recognize. Look for questions the tool answered or hinted at, which it should not do. Confirm the order reflects the person's priorities and not the helper's. Check that supporting notes are facts you supplied, such as dates or observations, and not interpretations of symptoms. If two questions overlap, ask the person before combining them.
Ask another agent to check the result
Compare this question list with the person's original wording. Flag any question that was reworded, merged or softened. Flag any the draft answers or interprets medically. Confirm the order matches the importance the person stated, and quote each difference.
Bring it to the appointment
Read the list back to the person and let them change anything. Print or save a copy they can hold, and note which question to start with. At the appointment, let the person speak first, then work down the list. Afterward, write down what the professional said in the person's own terms and mark any question that still needs an answer.