I have started using this phrase more and more during my patient interactions. It is amazing to me the difference it makes in many of the interviews. Especially in women. It is almost as though they have been anxiously waiting to tell their story.
It takes a little more prodding when I use it with men.
I'll say tell me about your usual routine during the day.
A woman will begin reciting the time they get up, what they cook for breakfast, what the other family members are doing, etc. -- they simply seem to put all the details in the story that I need for the activity/food assessment.
A man will say, "What do you want to know?"
It is easy for me, at this point, to fall back into the question/answer format...
What time do you get up? --- I get up around_____
What do you eat for breakfast? --- I don't eat too much breakfast____
etc.
I've been trying to pause, and repeat... "I want you to describe your usual day -- from the time you wake up and get out of bed, what you do, what you eat, how stressful your day might be until the time you go to bed. Describe yesterday or what you think tomorrow might be."
Tell me about your day....
.... diabetes is not a 'one size fits all' condition...
Tell me about your day...
... because I want to know more about you...
Tell me about your day...
... because I want you to know I care.
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