Checklist:
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION DURING A PATIENT ENCOUNTER

Adapted by University of New Mexico School of Medicine Communication Skills Task Force from Essential Elements of Communication in Medical Encounters: The Kalamazoo Consensus Statement. Acad Med 2001:76(4):390-393.

Opening the Discussion

• Greets and shows interest in patient as a person
• Allows patient to complete opening statement without interruption
• Explains and/or negotiates an agenda for the visit

Building a Relationship

• Uses words that show care and concern throught the interview
• Uses tone, pace, eye contact, and posture that show care and concern
• Consistently does not interrupt
• Follows up on each concern or important point of information

Gathering Information

• Effectively balances between open and closed questions
• Structures, summarizes, gives patient opportunity to correct or add inforamtion
• Asks about life events, circumstances, other people that might affect health
• Transitions effectively to additional questions (database, screening)
• Explains physical exam, alerts patient to sensitive maneuvers
• Respects privacy by draping, closing door, etc.

Understanding the Patient's Perspective

• Elicits full set of patient concerns
• Elicits patient's beliefs, perferences and expectations about illness and treatment
• Explores and responds to patient's values and emotion

Sharing Information

• Explains using words that are easy for patient to understand
• Assesses patient's understanding of problem and desire for more information
• Checks for mutual understanding
• Provides accurate information tailored to patient needs and wishes

Reaching Agreement

• Includes patient in choices and decisions, to the extent patient desires
• Asks about patient's willingness and ability to follow treatment plans
• Identifies additional resources as appropriate

Providing Closure

• Asks if the patient has additional issues or concerns
• Summarizes/asks patient to summarize plans till next visit
• Clarifies follow-up or contact arrangements