A common question any health professional may ask a patient is “What’s the matter?”

However, a more constructive question to ask would be “What matters to you?”

Irene Barkby, executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professions, said: “This type of approach helps to establish a relationship. It also helps you to understand the person in the context of their own life and the things that are most important to them.

“With this crucial insight you are in a much better position to work with the person to find the best way forward for them.

NHS Lanarkshire will once again participate in the What matters to you? day on June 6.

Last year the day was a great success with more than 520 health and social care teams across Scotland making a special effort to have more person-centred conversations with the people they work with.

To participate you should:

1. Register as individuals or as teams at: www.whatmatterstoyou.scot, where you can also order or download resources to support local activities.
2. Have a particular focus on “what matters to you?” conversations on or around 6 June.
3. Act on the conversations you have and do something different to help the person achieve what matters to them.
4. Collect stories and share your experiences at www.whatmatterstoyou.scot so that the learning can be shared.

Rick Edwards, programme manager for person-centred care, said: “We know from experience that the effect of focusing on what really matters to people can lead to improvements in the quality and effectiveness of what we do.

“Having a better understanding of what is important to people also helps develop relationships that provide the support and help people need to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.”

For more information email rick.edwards@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or call 01698 858373.