Examples of phrasing when asking about patients’ ideas, concerns expectations
Ideas (beliefs)
- ‘Tell me about what you think is causing it.’
- ‘What do you think might be happening?’
- ‘Have you any ideas about it yourself?’
- ‘Do you have any clues; any theories?’
- ‘You’ve obviously given this some thought, it would help me to know what you were thinking it might be’.
Concerns
- ‘What are you concerned that it might be’.
- ‘Is there anything particular or specific that you were concerned about?’
- ‘What was the worst thing you were thinking it might be?’
- ‘In your darkest moments …‘
Expectations
- ‘What were you hoping we might be able to do for this?’
- ‘What do you think might be the best plan of action?’
- ‘How might I best help you with this?’
- ‘You’ve obviously given this some thought, what were you thinking would be the best way of tackling this?’