| Strategies | Suggested phrases and tools |
- Assess illness understanding.
| - "What have other doctors (or other health care providers) told you about where things are with your illness right now?"
- "What have other doctors (or other health care providers) told you about your treatment options and what to expect from your illness in the future?"
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- Ask about the impact of the illness and the effect treatments are having on the patient and family.
| - "How is treatment going for you and your family?"
- "What has been the most difficult about this illness for you?"
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- Inquire about the patient's hopes and worries for the future to learn about the patient's values and priorities.
| - "Given what we've talked about, what is most important to you going forward?"
- "As you think about the future, what are you hoping for?"
- "What worries you most about your illness?"
- "Some people worry about the possibility of dying and have questions about that. How about you?"
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