Table 3.

Questions vs. Reflections

Asking

Clinician: What happened last year when you decided to have the feeding tube put in?

Family Member: Well, they told me that he needed it. And I didn't want him to starve to death.

Clinician (asking): So, you were worried that your father would suffer if he didn't get the tube?

Family member: Yes. They told me he would starve without it.

Reflecting rather than asking

Clinician (reflecting): So, you were worried that your father would suffer if he didn't get the tube.

Family member: Yeah, I was, but I don't feel like it's worked so well. His life has been terrible the past year. He's still gotten pneumonia twice this year. I just don't know.

Clinician (reflecting): You were trying to do everything you could for your dad. You're still trying to do that. It's hard because you see that the tube hasn't been working so well to give him a good life.

Family member: Yes. I really want what is best for him and am not sure the feeding tube is the answer.