Yes - the patients and haves should now what is going on and need to take some responsibility for their care. Ask questions about everything!! You should know about medications, lab tests, x-rays and other procedures. You don’t have to have a medical degree to understand. Just know what is being tested and why.
I went to the cardiologist with my dad. The MD thought my dad had COPD, which he did NOT. I was able to intervene and keep him from getting started on meds he did not need.
Also - the study above was on doctors in training (interns and residents) at bigger university hospitals. In smaller community hospitals, you typically are followed by your own doctor +/- a few consultant doctors.
Amen! Especially if you have elderly parents etc. who sometimes don’t understand exactly what the doc just told them. I think any really good doctor understands and will explain. Unfortunately, I got one who didn’t think that was necessary. Don’t be cowed by these kinds of doctors either.