Let’s see how exploring Sheryl’s emotion cues helps with shared decision making. Read through the script to the right. You will see Dr. Olson use the three skills we discussed:
Can you find the “Explore” NURSE statement in the conversation to the right?
Great! Exploring the source of Sheryl’s worry and anger helps Dr. Olson find a critical piece of emotional data that she needs to understand Sheryl’s point of view -- Sheryl thinks about Ryan’s grave illness in the context of her past experience with Ryan’s uncle. Because Sheryl has seen Ryan’s uncle recover after his motorcycle accident, she has strong hopes that Ryan will do the same. Without exploring Sheryl’s emotion, Dr. Olson would have never known this critical piece of data which shapes the way that Sheryl approaches decisions for Ryan.
Dr. Olson: I can imagine this is not what you were hoping to hear.
Sheryl: This has all just happened so fast. He was just fine three weeks ago. How did we get here?
Dr. Olson: Yes, it’s hard to believe. No parent should have to be in your situation.
Josh: Yeah, but mom Ryan wouldn’t want this.
Sheryl: Josh, I know that, I just don’t want to make any rash decisions here. I just don’t know what to do.
Dr. Olson: You sound very worried, Sheryl. Can you tell me more about your concerns? EXPLORE
Sheryl: I just worry we are giving up on Ryan too soon. Miracles happen all the time and people adapt. Josh, remember your uncle after his motorcycle accident last year?
© 2016 University of Washington | School of Nursing | L&IT Learning Technologies | Palliative Care Training Center.
Caroline Hurd, MD,
Lindsay Gibbon, MD,
Anthony Back, MD
