Table 4 Patient communication behaviors identified through expert consensus and physician communication behaviors within the Four Habits Model Framework
← Consensus Behaviors → | ← Original Four Habits Model → | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Patient Habit | Patient behaviors | Physician Habit | Physician behaviors |
Invest in the beginning | Greet or verbally welcome health care provider Share all relevant concerns State which concerns are most important Approve or modify agenda | Invest in the beginning | Create rapport quickly Elicit the patient's concerns Plan the visit with the patient |
Provide your perspective | Share your story State own understanding of problem Tell how illness affects daily life Explain personal beliefs or worries about symptoms Express preferences (such as desires for specific tests, treatment, decision making) | Elicit the patient's perspective | Ask for the patient's ideas Elicit specific requests Explore the impact on the patient's life |
Communicate about your feelings and concerns | Express feelings and concerns Talk openly about psychosocial issues (such as anxiety, fear, sadness) Indicate if areas have not been addressed Ask healthcare provider to explain any words or ideas that are confusing | Demonstrate empathy | Be open to patient's emotions Make at least one empathic statement Convey empathy nonverbally Be aware of your own reactions |
Invest in the end | Use own words to summarize information and recommendations provided by the health care provider Ask questions about explanations and choices Give frank opinions about choices offered Describe or explore any barriers to following recommendations Ask about options interested in but not mentioned by the health care provider Conclude visit | Invest in the end | Deliver diagnostic information Provide education Involve patient in decision making Complete the visit |