Mindful Communication: Rebecca Shafir's site on improving listening and speaking effectiveness

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?