Deck 3: The Interview

Question 1

Demonstrate the ability to establish the parameters for a health interview.

Answer 1

A health interview is a structured interaction between the health care provider and the patient. It is important that the rules governing this interaction be clearly outlined and agreed on by the interviewer and interviewee at the beginning of the interview. Although outlining the parameters for a structured interview may seem second nature to the seasoned practitioner, a beginning practitioner may have difficulty in clearly communicating the limits and expectations for the interview, especially if the patient is senior in age to the student. The parameters that must be addressed are outlined in the beginning of the chapter.

Question 2

State the factors that affect communication.

Answer 2

In a two-person interaction, there are usually two roles, that of sender and that of receiver. During the exchange of information, both individuals engage in both verbal and nonverbal communication. In addition to being aware of the roles of each individual, one must also consider the context of the exchange and any internal and external factors that may have an impact on the interview. Adding yet another dimension is the fact that for each interaction between two people, there is an intellectual response and a feeling response. The interviewer must monitor both these responses within himself or herself and, when possible, within the interviewee. Finally, the interviewer must be aware of facilitators and blockers of effective communication. Other internal and external factors to be considered by the interviewer are outlined in the chapter.

Question 3

Describe the three phases of the interview.

Answer 3

During the first phase, the health care provider introduces the interview. The working phase is the data-gathering phase, and both open and closed questions are used during the interview. Closing the interview is important because it signals that the interview is ending and gives the person one last chance to share concerns or self-expression. Be sure to provide a brief summary of what was learned during the interview.

Question 4

Use the outlined communication techniques appropriately to gather data.

Question 5

State the 10 traps of interviewing.

Question 6

Discuss the meaning of common nonverbal modes of communication.

Question 7

Modify communication techniques as indicated by each patient's developmental stage, special needs, or cultural practices.

Question 8

Discuss working with and without an interpreter to overcome communication barriers.