The Interview

These flashcards cover key concepts about the interviewing process and communication techniques in a healthcare setting.

Interview

The first point of contact; the best chance to understand the patient's beliefs and perception of their health.

Verbal Communication

The words spoken and the tone used in a conversation.

Nonverbal Communication

Body language and cues that convey truer feelings, often unconsciously.

Active Listening

The ability to fully focus and engage in the conversation, showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying.

Open-ended Questions

Questions that encourage narrative responses from patients.

Closed-ended Questions

Questions that elicit specific information requiring a yes or no answer.

Congruency

The alignment between verbal and nonverbal messages; congruent messages reinforce communication.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Health Literacy

A patient’s ability to understand and effectively follow health-related instructions, which goes beyond reading skills.

SBAR

A standardized communication method used to convey Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation in healthcare.

Therapeutic Touch

A form of nonverbal communication that shows empathy, particularly in interactions with older adults.

Cultural Competence

Being aware of and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds during communication.

Facilitation

A verbal response that encourages the patient to elaborate and share more.

Reflection

A verbal response that echoes what the patient has said to help clarify meaning.

Clarification

A verbal response used to seek confirmation and ensure understanding during the interview.

Ten Traps of Interviewing

Common pitfalls like providing false reassurance and using jargon that can hinder effective communication.

Developmental Competence

The ability to adapt communication techniques based on the developmental stage of the person being interviewed.

Interpreter

A person who facilitates communication between parties who speak different languages.

Interprofessional Communication

Collaboration and information exchange between healthcare professionals to enhance patient care.

Situational Awareness

Understanding the context of the conversation, including interpreting nonverbal cues and the emotional state of the patient.