A | Acknowledge | Greet the patient by name, make eye contact, smile and acknowledge family or friends in the room. |
I | Introduce | Introduce yourself with your name, skillset, professional certification and experience. |
D | Duration | Give an accurate time expectation for tests, physician arrival and identify the next steps. When this is not possible, give a time in which you will update the patient on progress. |
E | Explanation | Explain step-by-step what to expect next, answer questions and let the patient know how to contact you, such as a nurse call button. |
T | Thank you | Thank the patient and/or family. You might express gratitude to them for choosing your hospital or for their communication and cooperation. Thank family members for being there to support the patient. |