“What Matters to You?” – a Simple But Powerful Question
Encouraging meaningful conversations between patients,
caregivers, families and health care providers.
Asking this simple question improves patient care and increases health care workers’ engagement and satisfaction. When providers have a conversation about what really matters, it helps ensure that care is aligned with patient preferences, builds trusting relationships between patients, families and their health care providers and advances person- and family-centred care. Asking “What matters to you?” supports the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
Why Asking is Time Well Spent
Research shows it takes only 90 seconds to answer the question, “What matters to you?” Remember, you don’t have to solve everything—just talking about what really matters can help.
Asking “What matters to you?” is possible if you:
What matters to me is being part of the conversation with my health care team each and every time I step into the health care system.
asking, listening and responding to what matters leads to safe, quality care
As part of HQBC’s mandate to “facilitate the building of capability and expertise for patient safety and quality in the BC health system,” we have been working since 2014 to embed this simple question into every health care provider interaction. When a health care provider starts by asking what really matters, they are taking an important step in ensuring that they’re engaging in shared decision-making, and building trust and empathy. This leads to higher quality, safe care that aligns with what’s important.
Health Quality BC has developed tools and resources to help you build your skills and embed this powerful question into every health care interaction. Whether you’re part of a health care team, patient or community member, you’ll find “What Matters to You?” resources here.
How to have “What Matters to You?” conversations
Asking “What matters to you?” is about working to understand what matters within the larger context of life. No one wants to be seen as a disease or a list of symptoms, but rather as a whole person.
Creating the space, time and relationship for a “What Matters to You?” conversation is easy and involves three simple steps:
- Asking What Matters.
- Listening to What Matters.
- Doing What Matters
Be a Part of the Movement to Ask “What Matters to You?”, Not Just “What’s the Matter?”
Join the movement. Expand your skills. Improve person-centred care. Whether a health care provider, caregiver or a patient, everyone can find what they need to ask “What Matters to You?” here.
International “What Matters to You?” Day
Each year, International “What Matters to You?” Day is celebrated in June. Whether you’re a health care provider, caregiver or a patient, everyone can participate in International “What Matters to You?” Day!
Order “What Matters to You?” Physical Resources
Do you want to show your pride in asking “What Matters to You?”
Maybe you want to thank your team or colleagues with something they can wear? Do you have a special event coming up? Order FREE “What Matters to You?” (WMTY) physical resources, like buttons and lanyards, to share and wear, or to showcase at your next event.
Share Your Story – Inspire Others
Stories have the power to inspire change. Help us spread the impact of person-centred conversations by sharing your experience with “What matters to you?”
Featured Resources to Help Spread the Word About “What Matters to You?”
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