Guideline 3: Building rapport with carers
3 out of 9Specific strategies
- When meeting a family carer, learn:
- The family carer’s name,
- Their relationship to the patient, and
- Other relevant information about the family that may impact on patient care (e.g. carer's occupation- frequent work travel can affect ability to attend appointments and provide home care). 26,31,32
- “Hi, I’m [clinician’s name], and you are?... And how are you both related?”
- “[Family carer’s name], is there anything I should know about you, that might affect [the patient’s] care?”
- Consider asking about the wider family, to provide relevant context about the patient’s life.
“Is there anyone else at home I should be aware of?”
- Continue to connect with family member throughout the consultation by acknowledging them (verbally and non-verbally), listening to them, and responding to them. 25
“It’s nice to see you again [family carer’s name]. How have you been? "
- Acknowledge the impact of the illness on the family carer. 33
“Cancer can have a big impact on the family as well”.
- Affirm the important role of the family.24
“I really appreciate what a great support you are to [patient].”
Click the + button below to learn more about building rapport in other clinical settings
Building rapport in different settings
During treatment sessions:
Treatment sessions are a good opportunity for rapport and relationship building, particularly for nurses, as patients and family are often waiting/sitting for a long period of time.
On the ward:
You may build rapport by encouraging the family to be present at ward round times, acknowledging the presence of family, ensuring the family have a seat at the patient’s bedside, writing family members name in the patient’s notes.
OVERALL COMPLETION
