Mindful Preparation for a Patient Visit

by Rebecca Shafir

Health Care Provider, ask yourself: 

• Have I eliminated external distractions as much as possible? 

• Why has the patient come? Driven by symptoms or family?

• What does he/she expect of me?

• What are my first impressions?

• Am I listening as if he is the only other person on earth at the moment?

• Am I seeing the whole person or just focusing on the symptoms?

• Are my suggestions consistent with their values?

• Have I been clear about the range of treatment options available?

• Is she and/or her caregivers willing to cooperate in managing her health?

• Have I made it clear enough that I consider our relationship is:

  • important to me?

  • a human partnership?

  • worthy of my time?

  • is a collaboration of efforts?

• Does the patient appear to need to express his anger/disappointment?

• Am I being sensitive to the opportunities to minimize suffering and to heal?