Exploring the patient's perspective

Once you have initiated a discussion during a consultation, the next step is to explore the person’s perspective. This is done by gathering information, which enables shared decision making. Spend a few minutes thinking about your perspective on the gathering-information and shared decision-making stages of a consultation with a person with an anxiety disorder.

Use the following questions to explore your perspective on this stage of the consultation:

• What questions might you ask to establish the person’s thinking about their medicines and/or condition?
• How will you achieve a shared understanding of the issues, incorporating the person’s perspective?
• What techniques can you use to develop a mutually agreed action plan which involves shared decision making?
• What skills will you use to continue building the relationship?
• How will you demonstrate dignity and respect for differences relating to a person’s race or ethnicity, learning or physical ability, or community to which they belong?

Take a look at this video, Balancing perspectives: Pharmacy professionals and people with anxiety, to further your understanding.