Interviewing Techniques

Abstract

Other than the physical examination, the interview is the only medical procedure you will perform during virtually all your patients’ visits. Its goals are to obtain data, to begin the inspection portion of the physical exam, to establish and maintain rapport, to increase or maintain patient comfort, and to educate the patient. Therefore, the essence of interviewing lies in the examiner’s ability to obtain pertinent data while simultaneously responding to the patient’s behaviors. Many of the techniques employed in the medical interview are also applicable to other interview situations, such as administrative interviews (e.g., screening a candidate for membership in your department). Interviewing skills can be learned and are not an all-or-nothing, “you’ve either got it or you don’t” phenomenon.