Table of Contents
REQUIREMENTS #
- Table
- Two chairs
- Pen and note pad
- Recorder
- Patient’s folder (Electronic/Manual)
- Serene environment
STEPS #
- Advance Preparation
- Formulate goals for the interview
- Determine issues to focus on during the interview
- Decide on the type to use (structured, semi-structured or unstructured)
- Prepare patient and physical environment
- Establish rapport (refer procedure)
- Explain procedure and reassure patient
- Prepare the interview setting and arrange the chairs as appropriate
- Sit patient comfortably facing the interviewer in a serene environment
- Seek patient’s consent to record the interview in any form and assure him/her of confidentiality
- Sit down avoiding crossing of arms and legs
- Initiate the dialogue in a simple language the patient can understand
- Speak to patient in calm, clear and relaxed tone
- Employ the use of verbal, nonverbal and therapeutic communication techniques (e.g. maintain eye contact, appropriate use of body language, feedback, use of silence, restating, etc.)
- Find patient’s area of motivation and nurture them to gain his/her co-operation
- Focus on specifics (i.e. condition, medication, chief compliant etc.)
- Give broad opening or ask opened ended questions
- Listen and observe for patient’s nonverbal cues (e.g. facial expression, posture, gestures, etc.)
- Give patient enough time to express him/herself
- Avoid interrupting patient when he/she is speaking (active listening)
- Restate patient’s statement by rephrasing or paraphrasing
- Use appropriate questioning techniques
- Ask patient to clarify statements
- Use silence to listen to patient
- Summarize with patient what has been discussed during the interview
- Record salient point and close the session
- Express appreciation to patient and inform him/her on what to do next
- Document findings in the nurses’ note/patient’s folder
- Report the outcome from the interview to the Charge Nurse
