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CALMER Approach to Difficult Clinical Encounters

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CALMER Approach to Difficult Clinical Encounters

  • See Also
  1. Difficult Clinical Encounter
  2. Behavior Change Model
  • Technique (Mnemonic
  • CALMER)
  1. Catalyst for Change
    1. See Behavior Change Model
    2. Identify patient's current stage in the change model and strategize with patient on advancing to the next stage
  2. Alter thoughts (changes feelings)
    1. Discuss patient's specific negative feelings and their impact on the encounter
    2. Providers should also identify their own negative feelings
  3. Listen first (then diagnose)
    1. Eliminate barriers to communication and find ways to improve doctor-patient relationship
  4. Make Agreement
    1. Co-author a health improvement plan with the patient
  5. Education
    1. Set reasonable goals for the next follow-up
  6. Reach out
    1. Establish self-care strategy
  • References
  1. Pomm (2004) Fam Med 36(7): 467-9 [PubMed]