Empathic Inquiry is an approach to conducting Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Interviewing that is based in Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care. The goal of Empathic Inquiry is for the interview to feel less like data collection and more like an opportunity to connect with patients.
Key Elements of an Empathic Inquiry approach to SDOH interviewing include:
1. Introduction
2.Creating clear expectations
3. Asking permission
4. Acknowledging sensitive content and supporting autonomy by giving permission to opt out of any questions
5. Listen with empathy using reflective listening
6. Listen for opportunities to affirm patient strengths
7. Summarize
8. Use an open question to ask about patient priorities
9. Arrange follow up
10. Thank the patient for their time and participation
© Oregon Primary Care Association, 2016