Patient Communication Acronym
Author: Lahav Constantini
Editor: Alyssa Haag, MD
Editor: Emily Miao, MD, PharmD
Editor: Kelsey LaFayette, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C
Illustrator: Jannat Day
Modified: Jan 06, 2025
What is AIDET?
AIDET is an acronym for five key components of optimal communication with patients and their families and amongst healthcare providers. These fundamental etiquettes – Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank you – provide a positive communication framework between patients and healthcare professionals, help ease anxiety, boost communication and cooperation, and ultimately improve satisfaction and overall clinical outcome. 
What does the “A” in AIDET mean?
“A” stands for acknowledge. This element refers to the initial contact with the patient and their family members and focuses on making them feel at ease. It is of value to first ask permission before entering the patient’s room. Additionally, a good relationship begins with a warm smile and acknowledgment of everyone in the room. It is also important to address patients by name, placing them at the forefront.
What does the “I” in AIDET mean?
“I” stands for introduce. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to introduce themselves to their patients to help them feel at ease with the individual who will be providing their treatment. The introduction may include stating their name, professional certification, role, expertise, and experience. It is also useful to introduce and describe relevant colleagues and additional healthcare providers that the individual may come in contact with. Lastly, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when asking patients to complete a task, is also important.
What does the “D” in AIDET mean?
“D” stands for duration. It is highly beneficial to provide patients with accurate time expectations, so that they better understand the duration of relevant assessments, tests, or waiting periods for exams, results, or healthcare visits. When these periods are unknown or impossible to foresee, notifying them when they will receive an update on the progress can also help to ensure that they feel well taken care of.
What does the “E” in AIDET mean?
“E” stands for explanation. Besides stating the duration of certain events, patients tend to appreciate an explanation of what is or will be happening. Talking through what is done in a certain assessment or procedure, why it is done, how they may feel, and what should be expected moving forward is important. It is essential to leave room for answering any questions that patients and their relatives may have, and share emergency contact information in case an emergency occurs.
What does the “T” in AIDET mean?
“T” stands for thank you. To further enhance the patient-healthcare provider relationship, and make patients feel appreciated, it is valuable to thank them. Gratitude can be expressed for their open communication and cooperation, for friends or relatives being there to support their loved ones, or for choosing and trusting the healthcare facility to look after the client.
What are the most important facts to know about the AIDET acronym?
AIDET is an acronym used to remember five key elements for healthcare providers to employ when they communicate with patients and their family members - Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank you. If properly followed, this communication framework can help patients feel heard, well-informed, comfortable, and at ease, in sometimes anxious and vulnerable times. 
