Role of values in decision-making
Delineate the role of individual values in decision making
“You really are the only person who can decide what is the best treatment for you.”
Communication Skills:
- Begin the options discussion by reiterating the role of individual values and preferences on choice.
- Allow the patient an opportunity to think aloud about the pros/cons of the options.
Elicit values
Assist in eliciting values
“It may be useful to begin by talking about the type of person that you are.”
Communication Skills:
- Empathize with patient on the difficulty of choosing an option;acknowledge the request for help and indicate your willingness to work with them.
- Begin the process of values clarification.
- Elicit values and preferences by exploring what is meaningful and important to the patient.
Clarify values
Provide support for patient choice
Provide support for patient choice of options
“It sounds like you’re the kind of person who…”
Communication Skills:
- Reflect back to the patient what you heard to check that your interpretation is accurate.
- Support the patient’s choice.
- Indicate partnership for the long term and check agreement with treatment plan.
