When You Feel Dismissed: How to Raise a Concern

When your concern is interrupted, minimized, or not clearly addressed, it can be difficult to speak up again. You do not need to prove that someone intended to dismiss you in order to ask for a better explanation.

Name the gap, not the person's motives

Try to identify what was missing. Did you have too little time to describe a symptom? Was your question unanswered? Did you not understand why a proposed test or treatment was declined?

A specific observation is easier to discuss than a global accusation. For example:

• "I do not think I had a chance to explain how this is affecting my daily life."
• "I'm still unsure why this test is not recommended."
• "Before we finish, there is one concern I need us to address."

Ask for the reasoning and next steps

A useful question is: "What information supports this assessment, what alternatives have you considered, and what should change the plan?" You can also ask what remains uncertain.

If a clinician cannot address a concern immediately, ask when and with whom it can be discussed.

Choose an appropriate next step

Depending on the setting, options may include a follow-up appointment, speaking with another member of the team, asking about patient advocacy or feedback procedures, or requesting another clinical opinion.

Document the questions you want answered and any agreed follow-up. You may choose to bring a support person, with your consent and consistent with confidentiality rules.

A limit to remember

This guide is about communicating a concern, not determining whether a medical decision was correct. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or otherwise need urgent attention, use locally appropriate urgent services instead of waiting for a complaint response or routine follow-up.

Evidence and further reading

• NICE, Patient Experience in Adult NHS Services (CG138)
• AHRQ, Encourage Questions — Tool 14
• NICE, Shared Decision Making (NG197)