‘What matters to you?’ (WMTY) is a worldwide initiative encouraging more meaningful conversations between people who provide health and social care and the people receiving.
Asking ‘What matters to you?’ is a simple way to help us, at NHS Lothian, provide care which is individual to you. This person-centred approach can help establish a relationship where healthcare providers understand more about you and the things that are most important to you. Evidence shows that this approach can improve health and wellbeing outcomes. At NHS Lothian we want embed this into our everyday practise by asking, listening and doing what matters for people.
Here are some examples of what people said mattered to them:
“It’s really important that my granddaughter is involved in discussions about my support. She is the main person in my life!”
“When I’m in hospital I want to be able to take my medication at a time that suits me rather than on drug rounds.”
So here are some questions we may ask to find out what matters to you:
“What are the things that are important to you at the moment?”
“What would you like to achieve as a result of this care or support?”
“When you have a good day, what are the things that make it good?”
“Is there anything else you want to tell me that I haven’t asked about?”
This animation below will tell you more about ‘What matters to you?’,
Here is an inspiring talk by Jason Leitch on the importance of this approach. What Matters to You, Jason Leitch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Z1ZvjlKDE
