Looking for something bigger than one card?
This page hands you one tool at a time. Three other pages package the same tools differently.
- Print Templates
The print-ready files for these same cards and scripts. Full-color, pocket, and low-ink formats.
- Kits for Clinics
One bundle per setting: primary care, ED, pediatrics, long-term care, or telehealth.
- Pilot-in-a-Box
A four-week plan for getting a whole team using these tools together.
Begin with the What Matters to Me Card and the 30-Second Opening Script. They take the least effort to introduce, and patients notice the difference the same day.
Six cards to print and hand out
Some are filled in by the patient. Some are pocket references for you. Every one prints in full-color, low-ink, and large-print formats.
What Matters to Me Card
A simple card patients fill out before visits to communicate their values, fears, and priorities.
- 1Print cards and place them in waiting areas or hand to patients at check-in
- 2Ask patients to fill out before meeting with clinician (takes 2-3 minutes)
- 3Clinician reviews card at start of visit to understand patient priorities
- 4Reference the card during treatment discussions to align care with patient values
Works best when staff introduces it as 'a way to make sure we focus on what's important to you today'
Teach-Back Card
A pocket reference for clinicians to confirm patient understanding without sounding condescending.
- 1Keep at your workstation or in your pocket for quick reference
- 2After explaining a diagnosis, medication, or care plan, use one of the suggested phrases
- 3Listen to patient's explanation and gently correct any misunderstandings
- 4Document that teach-back was completed in your notes
Frame it as checking YOUR explanation, not testing the patient: 'I want to make sure I explained this clearly...'
Agenda-Setting Prompt
A visual reminder to start every visit by asking what matters most to the patient.
- 1Post near your computer monitor or on exam room wall
- 2At the start of each visit, ask: 'What's most important for us to cover today?'
- 3Write down patient priorities and share your agenda
- 4Negotiate which items to address today vs. schedule for follow-up
Even if you can't address everything, acknowledging patient priorities builds trust
Anxiety-Calming Script
Ready-to-use phrases for de-escalating anxiety during visits.
- 1Review scripts before your clinic day to internalize the language
- 2When you notice anxious body language or voice, pause and use a calming phrase
- 3Lower your own voice and slow your pace when delivering these scripts
- 4Allow silence after speaking. Give the patient time to process
Authenticity matters more than exact wording. Adapt to your natural speaking style.
Caregiver Prompts Sheet
A handout helping family members prepare questions and participate effectively.
- 1Give to caregivers at check-in or mail/email before appointments
- 2Suggest they write down their top 3 questions before the visit
- 3At the visit, invite them to share: 'I see you brought notes. What questions can I answer?'
- 4Provide a copy for them to take notes during the visit
Empowering caregivers reduces post-visit phone calls and improves care coordination
30-Second Opening Script
A warm, empathetic way to begin any visit that sets the right tone.
- 1Memorize or keep a copy visible at your workstation
- 2Use within the first 30 seconds of entering the room
- 3Make eye contact, sit down if possible, and deliver at a calm pace
- 4Listen to the patient's response before moving to clinical questions
These 30 seconds can define the entire visit. Patients remember how they felt, not just what was said.
Every card prints three ways
One version for a busy front desk, one for a copier that is low on toner, and one for patients who need larger type.
Standard print
Full color, designed to read across a waiting room or sit comfortably in a patient's hand. This is the version to use unless your printer says otherwise.
Low-ink version
Grayscale, sparing on toner, made for clinics printing by the hundred.
Large print
18pt type for patients with low vision, or anyone reading without their glasses.
All three formats live on one page. Open Print Templates to see them side by side.
Free to use and adapt with attribution: “Empathy in Medicine Initiative, empathyinmedicine.org”
These are communication aids, not medical advice. We collect organization-level stats only. We never collect patient identifiers. Sites remain responsible for local compliance.