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Guideline 3: Building rapport with carers

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Guiding principles

Specific 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
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  • “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.
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“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
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“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
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“Cancer can have a big impact on the family as well”.

  • Affirm the important role of the family.24
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“I really appreciate what a great support you are to [patient].”

 

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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

Guideline 3

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