Putting What
You Learned
Into Practice
Now that you have watched your communication
skills–building videos, use this worksheet to
write in the spaces below how you will use each skill
during your next visit with your friend or loved one
with ITP.
When the doctor does not explain the patient’s medical problem in a way you
understood…
Check your understanding by putting what the doctor said in your own words.
When the doctor uses confusing medical terms…
Ask for a clear explanation.
When the patient forgets or does not feel comfortable asking the doctor questions…
Encourage and remind the patient to ask questions.
When you could not remember all the things the patient is supposed to do after
leaving the medical visit….
Take notes and summarize what you heard.
When the doctor does not have a good understanding of the patient as a person….
Tell the doctor about the patient’s values and preferences for care.
When the doctor is not aware of what you know or think about the patient’s medical
problem and symptoms…
Share your perspective on the patient’s health problems and concerns.
When the doctor misunderstood something the patient said…
Check that the doctor clearly understood the key things you and the patient said.
When the doctor does not consider difficulties the patient has following treatment
recommendations…
Help and encourage the patient to talk about treatment and self-care challenges.
When the doctor does not focus on helping the patient identify workable ways to make
changes in everyday habits…
Help and encourage the patient to brainstorm and problem-solve with the doctor to come
up with a plan.
When it is not easy to ask for details or express doubts about the tests or treatments the
doctor recommends…
Ask questions and encourage the patient to ask questions about tests, medications, and
lifestyle recommendations.
When the doctor does not address the problems the patient most wanted to discuss…
Help and encourage the patient to set an agenda for the visit and decide what is most
important for you to discuss.
When the doctor does not discuss treatment risks, benefits, or alternatives with the
patient…
Help and encourage the patient to actively participate in treatment decisions.
When the doctor does not effectively address the patient’s fears and concerns…
Encourage the patient to openly discuss with the doctor any concerns, worries, and
discuss your own concerns.
When the doctor does not explain the patient’s medical problem in a way you
understood…
Check your understanding by putting what the doctor said in your own words.
When the doctor uses confusing medical terms…
Ask for a clear explanation.
When the patient forgets or does not feel comfortable asking the doctor questions…
Encourage and remind the patient to ask questions.
When you could not remember all the things the patient is supposed to do after
leaving the medical visit….
Take notes and summarize what you heard.
When the doctor does not have a good understanding of the patient as a person….
Tell the doctor about the patient’s values and preferences for care.
When the doctor is not aware of what you know or think about the patient’s medical
problem and symptoms…
Share your perspective on the patient’s health problems and concerns.
When the doctor misunderstood something the patient said…
Check that the doctor clearly understood the key things you and the patient said.
When the doctor does not consider difficulties the patient has following treatment
recommendations…
Help and encourage the patient to talk about treatment and self-care challenges.
When the doctor does not focus on helping the patient identify workable ways to make
changes in everyday habits…
Help and encourage the patient to brainstorm and problem-solve with the doctor to come
up with a plan.
When it is not easy to ask for details or express doubts about the tests or treatments the
doctor recommends…
Ask questions and encourage the patient to ask questions about tests, medications, and
lifestyle recommendations.
When the doctor does not address the problems the patient most wanted to discuss…
Help and encourage the patient to set an agenda for the visit and decide what is most
important for you to discuss.
When the doctor does not discuss treatment risks, benefits, or alternatives with the
patient…
Help and encourage the patient to actively participate in treatment decisions.
When the doctor does not effectively address the patient’s fears and concerns…
Encourage the patient to openly discuss with the doctor any concerns or worries, and
discuss your own concerns.
