Deliberate step of making an explicit verbal summary to the patient of the information gathered so far

• Used periodically throughout the interview
• Verifies your own understanding, ensures accuracy
• Facilitates your patient to correct or elaborate
• Allows: mutually understood common ground

Remember to Summarize both the Disease and Illness aspects of your patient’s story

Exercise: Before reading on, how do the patient and doctor benefit from period summaries?

Doctor and Patient Advantages

1. Patient
   • Clearly demonstrates you have been listening, are interested and care about the patient
   • Facilitates a collaborative approach to problem solving
   • Allows the patient to check your understanding and follow your thoughts
2. Doctor
   • Ensures accurate information gathering
   • Allows you to review what you’ve covered and organize your thoughts

Silverman, J., Kurtz, S., & Draper, J. (2013). Skills for Communicating with Patients (Thrid Edit). London: Radcliffe Publishing.