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Four Habits Model of Clinical Coaching

What is it?

The Four Habits Model is an evidence-based framework for improving communication with patients and clients in a healthcare context. This model was developed in 1999 by Richard M. Frankel, PhD and Terry Stein, MD and describes 4 types of behaviors (verbal and non-verbal) that are critical for good medical interviewing. These common behaviors have been aligned with both improved efficiency and positive outcomes during a patient visit:

1) Invest in the Beginning: create rapport quickly, elicit patient's concerns, plan the visit with the patient

2) Elicit Patient's Perspective: ask for patient's ideas, elicit specific requests, explore the impact on the patient's life

3) Demonstrate Empathy: be open to the patient's emotions, make at least one empathetic statement, convey empathy nonverbally, be aware of your own reactions

4) Invest in the End: deliver diagnostic information, provide education, involve patient in making decisions, complete the visit

 

During clinical education, it can be beneficial to help students understand these behaviors and to give them feedback and guidance that aligns with the model. 

Examples and Implementation

We are excited to introduce our innovative self-paced e-learning modules on Clinical Coaching with the Four Habits Model. Designed specifically for clinical educators, this training focuses on developing foundational soft skills in students to enhance patient care through interactive scenarios and examples.
 

The program features six instructional modules, which can be completed in any order, providing flexibility and convenience for busy educators. Through this training, you’ll learn how to effectively coach students in vital communication and empathy skills, improving their patient interactions.

Modules include:

  • Module 1: Course Overview
  • Module 2: Habit 1 – Invest in the Beginning
  • Module 3: Habit 2 – Elicit the Patient’s Perspective
  • Module 4: Habit 3 – Demonstrate Empathy
  • Module 5: Habit 4 – Invest in the End
  • Module 6: Guide Your Student Scenario

 

Start the Modules