Why family carers need a worksheet

A ten minute GP appointment is one of the most stressful experiences in family caring. You arrive with concerns in your head. Then you get rushed through the door. Often, you forget the most important question. As a result, you leave wondering what the doctor said. Two days later, you cannot remember whether the new medicine starts on Monday or Tuesday.

The average UK adult sees their GP five to seven times a year. However, an elderly person with multiple conditions can have twenty or thirty healthcare interactions yearly. Without a system, important information slips through the cracks every time. For wider support, Carers UK also offers free guidance for families navigating the NHS.

What the GP appointment worksheet includes

The worksheet works for one appointment at a time, so it stays simple to use. First, an identity and appointment details bar with tickboxes for GP, hospital, or specialist. Then a box for why you are going to this appointment. Next, a structured symptom assessment with prompts for the main concern, when it started, how often it happens, severity from one to ten, and what makes it better or worse.

After that, a “what has changed since last time” box covering new symptoms, mood, sleep, falls, side effects, and admissions. Then a Top 3 Questions panel built for ten minute consultations. Inside the room, you write what the clinician said in a dedicated note-taking area. Finally, a “what was decided” checklist with tickboxes for tests, referrals, medication changes, follow-ups, and wait-and-see plans.

How to use the worksheet

First, print one copy before each appointment. Then sit down for ten minutes the night before and fill in the top half. Next, take it with you and write on it during the appointment. After, fill in the action box covering prescriptions, tests, monitoring, and call-back triggers. Finally, store it somewhere safe so you can refer back next time.

How to use the worksheet

First, print one copy before each appointment. Then sit down for ten minutes the night before and fill in the top half. Next, take it with you and write on it during the appointment. After, fill in the action box covering prescriptions, tests, monitoring, and call-back triggers. Finally, store it somewhere safe so you can refer back next time.

Who this is for

This worksheet is for adult children attending GP appointments with a parent. It is also for spouses going to the surgery with a partner whose memory is fading. Equally, it works for any family carer who walks out of consultations wishing they had asked one more question. In short, anyone who wants to leave the surgery feeling clear, not confused.