Patient priorities are the issues or problems the patient feels need addressing first. Unlike expectations, they aren’t simply what the patient wants from the consultation, nor are they a checklist of outcomes. Priorities are revealed through conversation, often subtly, as patients indicate which concerns dominate their thoughts or which problems interfere most with their life.

Helps tailor management to what the patient perceives as most urgent or important.

Prevents clinicians from over-focusing on medical or procedural concerns while neglecting what truly matters to the patient.

Supports shared decision-making and rapport, by showing the patient their perspective has been understood.

Be patient; priorities often emerge gradually.

Don’t over-interpret; confirm your understanding with the patient.

Combine attention to verbal, emotional, and non-verbal cues.

Recognise that priorities may shift over time or with new information.

1. Listen for cues:

Note which issues the patient mentions first or returns to repeatedly.

Observe emotional emphasis, hesitation, or body language.

2. Use reflective prompts:

“It sounds like [issue] has been weighing on you a lot…”

“I hear that [problem] is really affecting your day-to-day life…”

Avoid directly asking “What’s your priority?” — instead, let it emerge through the conversation.

3. Link to context:

Explore how different problems affect work, relationships, or daily routines.

Ask questions like:

“How has this been affecting your day-to-day life?”

“Which of these issues has been most difficult to manage recently?”

4. Summarise and confirm:

Reflect back what you’ve heard and check if it aligns with the patient’s concerns:

“So it seems that [issue] is the main thing worrying you right now. Is that right?”

Find the IMP: Quick Reference Toolkit