PSYCHIATRIC

INTERVIEW
PURPOSES OF THE INTERVIEW
• The interview is a basic tool of the physician.
It is a systematic attempt to gain knowledge of
the patient and the nature of the illness. It is
through the interview that a history of the
patient’s present illness and past life is elicited,
and the same principles apply in the interview
of patients, whether they are seen in a
psychiatric or medical setting.
CONDUCTING AN INTERVIEW
A. SETTING
Effective interviewing is undertaken in
an atmosphere of attentiveness and
emotional objectivity, not only, is
there freedom from interruption, but
also the assurance of privacy.
B. QUALITIES OF THE INTERVIEWER

• Empathy is the ability to identify and

understand the emotions and behavior of
the patient and accurately communicate
this understanding to the patient.
• Respect or positive regard for the patient is
communicated by the interviewer’s efforts
to understand the patient and by his real
concern for the patient.
• Genuineness is the quality of being
authentic, real and spontaneous; the
degree to which interviewer’s responses
appear to reflect his true feelings.
• C. TECHNIQUES FOR INTERVIEW
CONDUCT
• Introducing yourself (shaking hands)
• Greeting the patient by name
• Defining your role or status
• Making explicit the purpose of the interview
• Telling the patient how much time is available for
the task
• Asking the patient if he is at ease prior to the task
• If you plan to take notes or use an audiotape
during the interview, asking the patient if he has
any objections
• Important interviewing techniques that
promote communication and rapport
• Open-ended question
• Clarifying and following Leads
• Avoiding Jargon
• Brief Questions
• Facilitating responses
• Facilitation
• Silence
• Reflection
• Handling of Emotionally Loaded Material
• TERMINATING THE INTERVIEW
• Summarize for the patient what you have
learned.
• Use reassurance and support in giving the
patient encouragement in coming to terms
with himself.
• Define your role beyond this encounter.
• Ask the patient if he has any questions for
you, particularly if your questions have
dominated the interview.
• If possible, end the interviewer on a positive
note; it is important for the patient and
interviewer to part company with the feeling
that each has been effective and constructive.