What is the purpose of a hospital passport? 

There is a possibility that your doctors and nurses are unaware of any other disabilities you may have. As you go through your cancer journey, you will see various doctors/nurses, who may not be aware of any other conditions you have. You can experience anxiety and stress when things turn out wrong and your needs are not met.  

In order to provide you with the highest quality care and treatment, a hospital passport equips hospital staff with important information about your condition. By providing this information, they are able to make the necessary and reasonable adjustments to your care and treatment. 

Your passport can include the following

• Information about how to communicate
• Explains all conditions you have 
• Include any communication aids you may need
• Any medication allergies of bad reactions you've had in the past
• A place to keep appointment information
• Any questions you may have 
• When you're not feeling well enough to speak 
• Keep track of any side effects you might be experiencing 

My personal passport 

I came up with the idea of a hospital passport, due to my selective mutism, anxiety and needle phobia. I saw many different doctors, who would know little about selective mutism, or how to approach the situation, which made some situations worse.

In my passport it would explain what can make my anxiety more severe and how to approach particular things. But most importantly, it explained my selective mutism, which most people are unaware of. This passport gave me a voice and I am hoping this technique will help anyone else who is struggling.

How I planned out my passport:  

For more help read - 'How to Prepare for Cancer Treatment'