MVP “Stool” Model

The ACT Program is built around the MVP “Stool”* model for organizing and guiding serious illness conversations.

The two components of this model are:

1. MVP Steps –> Medical situation, Values, Plan
2. 3E Skills –> Empower, be Explicit, Empathize

The MVP Steps provide a framework for structuring a serious illness conversation while each of the “3E” Skills are used to support effective communication and relationship-building within each of the three MVP Steps.

There is a lot to unpack within the MVP model! For a deeper dive into this communication model, check out our Resources and take a look at MVP–Medical Situation, Values, and Plan: A Memorable and Useful Model for All Serious Illness Conversations

…or…better yet…

…sign up for an ACT Course!

…

* As some of our friends and colleagues may recall from their residency days…once upon a time you weren’t a good intern unless you had a guaiac “stool card” (and likely expired resolving solution) in the pocket of your white coat. For our younger friends and colleagues, this explains the underlying hilarity of the “Stool Card,” which can be found here =).