In serious illness conversations, medical teams often hold most of the informational data while the patient or family hold most of the emotional data. Underlying concerns are often expressed as emotion cues and can drive medical decision making. Using a “Tell Me More” statement to explore emotions helps you see the full picture and tailor your information delivery. This balanced exchange assures a shared mental model.
Patients and families do not always disclose emotional data explicitly so it’s important to look for emotion cues that warrant further exploration. Common cues include:
Exploring these emotions can reveal opportunities to build rapport, create mutual understanding, repair trust and adapt the plan of care.
© 2016 University of Washington | School of Nursing | L&IT Learning Technologies | Palliative Care Training Center.
Caroline Hurd, MD,
Lindsay Gibbon, MD,
Anthony Back, MD
