1-Basic - Guidelines for Communication with Physicians

Guidelines for Communication with Physicians

Caregiver mothers (Moms), you bring extraordinary dedication, insight, and compassion to the lives of your adult children living with severe mental illness.

The care that Moms provide — often quiet, persistent, and deeply personal — is a powerful part of the recovery journey.

Most physicians understand that families see day-to-day realities that cannot always be fully expressed during appointments, and many value the perspective, commitment, and love caregivers bring to care.

Partner with Clinicians. When you share timely observations, concerns, and updates with physicians, you help build a fuller picture that supports safer, more responsive treatment.

Your voice really matters. Your experience really matters.

Mental health uses a team approach. It may be easier to communicate with the nurse or social worker involved in your loved one’s care rather than the physician.

Include all primary clinicians in your communication. For example, cc your email or registered mail to the involved nurse even if your question is mainly for the physician.

Remember. NS Moms are with you every step of the way on your recovery journey with your loved one.

Why your input is important

Caregiver mothers often hold essential knowledge about their adult child’s history, daily realities, and early warning signs of change.

When physicians listen to and thoughtfully consider caregiver input — while respecting patient autonomy, consent, and privacy — care becomes more informed, responsive, and safer.

Respectful partnership between physicians and caregivers strengthens continuity of care, supports better clinical understanding, and contributes to more hopeful outcomes.

Physicians are required to receive information presented by caregivers either in writing or verbally.

Even when clinicians cannot share details in return, caregiver observations are essential to help identify emerging risks, treatment responses, functional changes, and patterns that may not be visible during brief clinical encounters.

Families see what happens between appointments — changes in behaviour, medication effects, stressors, and early signs of relapse.

When physicians acknowledge caregiver contributions and families feel heard, trust grows and collaboration becomes stronger.

If communication breaks down

Privacy laws do not allow clinicians to share personal health information if someone refuses this, but clinicians can always receive information from caregivers.

If you feel excluded from care, call the clinic and request a meeting or phone call with the treating clinician to share concerns about your loved one.

Physicians are also required to provide essential information needed for safety. Caregivers have a legitimate interest in ensuring relevant clinical information is considered, particularly when safety or stability may be at risk.

First, document your concerns in writing. Keep your communication clear, factual, and focused on observable behaviours, safety risks, medication concerns, or functional changes.

Email is appropriate, but also send a copy by registered or express mail so there is confirmation of delivery. Request written acknowledgement of receipt.

State clearly that the information is provided for inclusion in the medical record.

If unsatisfied, consider these steps:

Write a formal letter to the clinic practice manager or hospital manager with full details.
Submit a written concern to the relevant regulatory authority if patient safety appears compromised.

Emergency Room Visits

Always BE PREPARED. Mental health emergencies can occur at any time.

Bring these with you:

A baseline record: a one-page description of your loved one when in good health, with a picture.
A one-page summary and a card with the most important jot-note information.
Diagnosis, medications, safety risks, recent escalations, hospitalizations, current psychiatrist, and key dates.

Keep these in your purse and in your glove compartment. Bring them with you.

At triage:

State safety concerns directly: “Please note that I am worried about immediate safety because…”
Use the most recent specific examples.
Ask that your written summary be added to the medical record.

If discharge is being considered and you believe it is unsafe, calmly say: “I am concerned discharge may not be safe.”

Important

If discharge is being considered, ask what criteria were used to decide against admission and request that your concerns be documented.

Ask whether a psychiatric assessment has been completed.

Request a copy of the discharge plan and say, “I need time. I am not set up yet to receive my child.”