The Health Interview and Communication

This set covers the fundamental principles, phases, techniques, and potential pitfalls of the patient health interview as described in the lecture notes.

Health Interview

A structured interaction between the examiner and the patient where the governor terms are stated clearly at the start to facilitate openness and trust.

Communication

The exchange of information so that each person clearly understands the other, based on both conscious and unconscious behavior.

Internal Factors

Factors specific to the examiner that promote good communication: liking others, expressing empathy, the ability to listen, and self-awareness.

External Factors

Elements relating to the physical setting that foster communication, such as privacy, preventing interruptions, conducive environment, equal status seating, and appropriate attire.

Introduction

The first phase of the interview where the examiner introduces themselves and explains their role.

Working Phase

The second phase of the interview focused on gathering data using open-ended and closed or direct questions.

Closing

The final phase of the interview where the examiner signals the end, gives the patient a last chance to share concerns, and summarizes what was learned.

Open-ended Questions

Questions that ask for narrative information to gather broad data during the working phase.

Closed or Direct Questions

Questions that ask for specific information in short, one- or two-word answers.

Patient's Frame of Reference Responses

Verbal responses including facilitation, silence, reflection, empathy, and clarification used to react to the facts or feelings the patient communicated.

Examiner's Frame of Reference Responses

Verbal responses including confrontation, interpretation, explanation, and summary where the examiner expresses their own thoughts and feelings.

10 Traps of Interviewing

Nonproductive verbal messages: false assurance, unwanted advice, using authority, avoidance language, distancing, professional jargon, leading/biased questions, talking too much, interrupting, and "why" questions.

Nonverbal Modes of Communication

Methods of conveying information and feelings through physical appearance, posture, gestures, facial expression, eye contact, voice, and touch.

Interpreters

Trained medical professionals or bilingual team members used for patients with limited English proficiency; family members should be avoided to prevent confidentiality violations or message editing.

Health Literacy

The ability to use numeric information and to understand and remember verbal instructions, encompassing more than basic reading.

Teach-back Method

A communication technique used to ensure that clients understand the information provided by an examiner.