‘Openers’ and ‘Closers’

As noted, at pregnantish, we are keenly aware of the limited patient time providers have — as well as the patients themselves. In the exam room, here are a few simple but effective ways to open the appointment to immediately bring the patient into collaboration with you. Taking just a few moments of the few minutes you have together to solicit input will underscore the patient-provider partnership you continue to build.

Similarly, the same holds true for ending your time together. Most of you are likely aware of the “doorknob question,” that very last moment before you leave when a patient brings up their most important question. Weaving our closers into your interactions will help surface these concerns before your time together runs out so that you both can tackle them effectively.

5 Ways to ‘Open’ a Patient Appointment

1. How are you doing?
2. Before we start, tell me what you hope to get out of today’s appointment? (OR …hope to learn/accomplish/go over today?)
3. Tell me how things have been going since our last visit.
4. Recall one thing from the patient’s chart.
5. Since our last visit, has anything happened or have any questions or concerns come to mind that you’d like to discuss?

5 Ways to End a Patient Appointment

1. How are you feeling about what we’ve discussed/done today?
2. Any concerns or fears about our next steps?
3. Have we addressed everything you wanted/needed out of today’s visit?
4. Do you feel well supported for our next steps?
5. We can never guarantee any treatment will work but I feel really good about our next steps. We are here for you if you have any questions.