Ideas, Concerns and Expectations

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?’
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