Our core technique: open-ended questions that elicit deeper, more honest, and more meaningful responses in every healthcare conversation.
Open-ended questions invite people to share what matters most to them, in their own words. They help patients and families feel heard while giving healthcare professionals the context needed to respond with care.
The quality of a conversation often begins with the quality of the questions we ask. Questions that start with what, how, “tell me about,” or “help me understand” invite people to share more than a simple yes-or-no answer.
A conversational assessment uses thoughtful, open-ended questions to understand what patients, families, and colleagues need most—before deciding what support, information, or next step will be most helpful.
As an oncology nurse navigator and leader, I learned how much the right words, the right questions, and the right communication techniques can change a conversation. I wanted to share the approaches that really helped me in my work—practical ideas that supported clearer understanding, stronger trust, and more meaningful connections with patients and families.
Deborah Christensen, APRN, AOCNS, AG-CNS is a retired oncology nurse leader, author, educator, and patient advocate. With nearly 30 years of nursing experience—including leadership roles in oncology navigation, survivorship, patient services, and patient advocacy—she is passionate about improving healthcare through clearer, more compassionate communication. Deborah now creates educational content through her website, TikTok channel, and social-media platforms to help healthcare professionals build stronger, more human conversations with patients and families.
