The first thing to do before you see your next patient

If you’re feeling rushed and tense or still thinking about your last patient, it’s important to refocus before you enter the consultation room for your next appointment. Take a moment to be mindful of what’s going on in your body, take a deep breath, and let go of the tension. Then ask yourself the following questions to prepare for your next patient.

• What do you know about the patient?
• Where are you in terms of developing your relationship?
• What would you like to learn about this person that you don’t already know?
• What is the topic of the encounter, if known, and how might that drive what needs to be accomplished?

Read the full FPM article: “The Art of Medicine: Seven Skills That Promote Mastery.”