Start the conversation well! Flashcards
What 4 things do you consider in the opening?
G - I - C - E
G - Greet the patient
I - Introduce yourself and get them to say their name
C - Clarify your role in care
E - Explain the shape of the consult in more detail
Greet the patient when you are in their home, they are older and you know their health has been deteriorating….
Hello Mrs Smith. It’s Mrs Smith, is that right?
What’s wrong with saying ‘It’s Mrs Smith, isn’t it?’
‘isn’t it’ sounds like you are assuming you are right. Better, ‘It’s Mr Smith. Is that right?’
Greet the patient when you already know them and they walk into your office. There is a little background: they’ve had chest pains.
Hello Mr Smith. Good to see you again, I’m Dr X. What brings you to the clinic today?
OR
Now I understand that you’ve been experiencing some chest pains.
If you are in the patient’s home and you don’t know them.
‘I’m Nurse/Dr X. I’m from the (community health centre/ the local GP practice). I’m here to (follow up?)
How would you like me to address you?
Thank you. (Say the name they gave you)
So, (open question)
Introduce yourself IF NECESSARY
I’m Dr X / Nurse X. I’m a (doctor on the ward / community nurse here)
Clarify your role in care when the patient is old, you’re in their home and their health is deteriorating
I’m going to be checking up on you today and I’ll need to ask you a few questions.
Is that okay with you?
Clarify your role in care when you know the interlocuter’s son has a rash
Explain what you’ll do in the consult
…Now I understand your son has a rash.
(You must be concerned. )
What I want to do today is find out what’s going on so I’ll need to ask a few questions.
Please tell me: when did you first notice the rash?
With an older patient whose health has been deteriorating, explain the nature of the interview
I’m going to ask you a few questions to make sure you’re okay. Do you mind?
OR
I’m going to start by asking you a few questions. Is that okay?