5. Ask for Consent
After you’ve figured out what’s in the patient’s way, validate their perspective, and ask for permission to share yours.
Try saying something like “I understand why that’s concerning for you. Thank you for sharing and helping me better understand where you’re coming from. Would you be open to hearing my thoughts on this? I care about you and your health and simply want to make sure you are armed with all the information you need to make the decision that feels best to you.”
You’d be surprised how many patients’ minds I have changed with this approach. People are a lot more likely to listen and take your advice when given the choice of doing so.
6. Stay Heart Centered
This tip is a no-brainer, but it needs to be said. When a patient isn’t getting better, care, express concern and inspire hope. That’s it.
I often conclude visits by saying, “I know you haven’t felt well for a long time, and I’m sorry. But I truly believe there is a day in the future when you can feel better than you feel now.”
And patients like this conclusion because I mean it when I say it.
Thanks
If you’ve made it this far into my article, thank you. Whether you choose to incorporate these tips into your practice or not, I appreciate you, and your patients do, too.
Samantha C. Shapiro, MD, is a clinician educator who is passionate about the care and education of rheumatology patients. She writes for both medical and lay audiences and practices telerheumatology.
