M09.03.018 Patient-Centered Interview

Patient-centered interviewing is an essential skill for healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in building strong relationships with patients. This guide outlines key principles and techniques for conducting successful patient interviews, ensuring that the focus remains on the patient’s feelings, needs, and concerns.

Key Principles of Patient-Centered Interviewing

1. Establish a Comfortable Environment

• Minimize Distractions:
  • Remove tables and computers from the immediate area.
  • Ensure privacy by asking family members to leave unless the patient requests their presence.

2. Focus on Patient Needs

• Ask Patient-Centric Questions:
  • Inquire about the patient’s feelings and needs.
  • Address any specific concerns raised by the patient.

3. Enhance Communication

• Engage in Meaningful Dialogue:
  • Spend quality time talking with the patient, even if it means keeping others waiting.
  • Use follow-up questions for clarification.
  • Explore personal issues beyond medical concerns (e.g., job, family).

4. Be Available and Responsive

• Accessibility:
  • Respond to calls and emails promptly.
  • Address both emotional and factual inquiries from the patient.

5. Transparency and Honesty

• Share Information Freely:
  • Answer all questions, providing complete and accurate information, even if it’s partial.
  • Inquire gently about the patient’s readiness to hear bad news.

6. Maintain Confidentiality

• Protect Patient Privacy:
  • Ensure that information is shared through the patient to family members rather than the other way around.

7. Build a Long-Term Relationship

• Foster Trust and Connection:
  • Make eye contact and sit at the same eye level when possible.
  • Communicate intentions before physical examinations or procedures.

Effective Listening and Communication Techniques

1. Listen More, Talk Less

• Encourage Patient Expression:
  • Allow the patient to choose their words without leading questions.
  • Embrace pauses while the patient gathers their thoughts.

2. Use Open-Ended Questions

• Facilitate Discussion:
  • Begin with open-ended questions to encourage broader responses, then use closed-ended questions as necessary.

3. Negotiate and Collaborate

• Involve Patients in Decision-Making:
  • Present treatment options without imposing directives.
  • Foster adherence through mutual agreement rather than commands.

4. Clarify Problems Before Solutions

• Ensure Informed Consent:
  • Confirm the patient understands their condition before discussing treatment options.
  • Start with open-ended inquiries to uncover underlying issues.

5. Practice Effective Interview Techniques

Points to Remember

• Prioritize patient comfort and open communication.
• Listen actively to understand the patient’s perspective.
• Engage patients in their care and decision-making processes.
• Maintain confidentiality and trust throughout the interview.

References

1. McLeod, S. (2019). “Qualitative Research in Psychology.” Retrieved from Simply Psychology
2. Wells, K., & Hays, R. D. (2005). “Patient-Centered Care: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Providers.” Retrieved from PubMed
3. Stewart, M. A. (1995). “Effective Physician-Patient Communication and Health Outcomes: A Review.” CMAJ, 152(9), 1423-1433. Retrieved from CMAJ