Page 118 - 633 102 Professional English for Pharmacists E-Course book

Pharmacist: Mr. Anderson, I am so sorry to hear that about your mom! I want you to know
that starting insulin can be a step in the right direction for reducing risks of complications
that you don't want to experience. Insulin can bring down your A1c a lot.

**Genuine concern is shown for the patient, while the real problem is identified. The
patient is not worried about injecting himself with a needle. Instead, he associates starting
insulin with death based on a bad experience with insulin in his family.

Pharmacist: Mr. Anderson, there are also other things you can do on your own to help
lower your A1c and risks for complications. Tell me what you know about these other
things.

Mr. Anderson: Well, I'm not sure what you mean.

Pharmacist: May I share some thoughts about this with you?

Mr. Anderson: Sure.

Pharmacist: We can talk about physical activity and eating habits; which of these would
you like to talk about first?

Mr. Anderson: Well, how about physical activity.

Pharmacist: Tell me about how often you are able to get physical activity into your
routine?

Mr. Anderson: Maybe once a month. My wife is always bugging me to go walking with
her after dinner. She walks every day, but it has been so hot lately!

Pharmacist: What are your thoughts about asking her if she would be willing to walk with
you first thing in the morning, when it is not so hot?

**The pharmacist continues to identify resolutions to the “cons” of exercising.

Mr. Anderson: Yeah. She actually walks then, too. She really takes good care of herself.

Pharmacist: That's great that you're recognizing that walking is good for you and that
you're thinking about getting her to include you in some of her walks. Consistent exercise
is a key to reducing risk of diabetes complications.

**Instead of dwelling on the patient's lack of exercise, the pharmacist emphasizes the
positive while being assertive and gently confrontational.

Mr. Anderson: I guess you're right. Maybe I could walk with my wife three or four times a
week.

Pharmacist: Hey, that's a good goal.

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