The First Patient Interview: What to Ask and Expect

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 1

The First Patient Interview: What to Ask and Expect

Learning Goal

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to effectively conduct a first patient interview by checking personal information, asking about symptoms and medication, and explaining the examination process.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain the importance of conducting a thorough first interview.

What do you already know about conducting the first patient interview?

Introduction

Welcome the patient and introduce yourself. Explain that you will be conducting the first interview and that you will be asking some questions about their health.

Demonstrate how to greet the patient and establish rapport before beginning the interview.

Why is it important to introduce yourself at the beginning of the interview?

1. To establish trust and rapport with the patient.
2. To show off your credentials.
3. To make the patient feel uncomfortable.
4. To assert your authority over the patient.

What will be discussed in the first interview with the patient?

1. Questions about their health.
2. Questions about their work experience.
3. Questions about their hobbies.
4. Questions about their personal life.

What should you do to start the first patient interview?

1. Ask the patient to introduce themselves to you.
2. Ignore the patient and begin taking notes.
3. Start asking questions about their health immediately.
4. Introduce yourself and welcome the patient.

Personal Information

Ask the patient for their name, date of birth, and any other relevant personal information. Verify their identity to ensure that you are speaking with the correct patient.

Explain the importance of verifying personal information to ensure that the patient receives the correct treatment.

Why is it important to verify the patient's identity?

1. To ensure you are speaking with the correct patient
2. To steal their identity
3. To annoy the patient
4. To waste time

What information should you ask the patient for?

1. Favorite color and food
2. Occupation and education
3. Name and date of birth
4. Address and phone number

Symptoms

Ask the patient about any symptoms they may be experiencing, such as pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations. Take note of any specific details, such as when the symptoms began or what makes them worse.

Encourage the students to ask open-ended questions to gain a better understanding of the patient's symptoms.

What specific details should you note about the symptoms?

1. Hobbies
2. Favorite Foods
3. When they began
4. What makes them worse

What are some examples of symptoms to ask about?

1. Discomfort
2. Pain
3. Favorite Foods
4. Unusual Sensations

Medication

Ask the patient if they are currently taking any medication, including prescribed medication, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements. Take note of the dosage and frequency of each medication.

Explain the importance of asking about medication to ensure that there are no potential interactions with upcoming treatments.

What information should you take note of about a patient's medication?

1. Shape and taste
2. Brand and color
3. Price and expiration date
4. Dosage and frequency

What should you ask a patient about their medication?

1. What their favorite food is
2. If they are currently taking any medication
3. What their favorite color is
4. If they have any pets

Expectations

Explain to the patient what they can expect from the examination process, including any tests or procedures that may be necessary. Address any concerns the patient may have and provide reassurance as needed.

Discuss the importance of setting expectations and addressing concerns to ensure that the patient feels comfortable and informed throughout the examination process.

What should you provide a patient during the examination process?

1. Nothing
2. Reassurance as needed
3. A list of all the things that could go wrong
4. Any medication they ask for

What should you explain to a patient about the examination process?

1. Only explain the length of the process
2. Nothing
3. Only explain the cost
4. Tests or procedures that may be necessary

Summary

Summarize the information gathered during the interview and ensure that all personal information, symptoms, and medication have been accurately recorded. Thank the patient for their time and let them know what the next steps will be.

Demonstrate how to summarize the information gathered and provide clear instructions for the next steps in the examination process.

What should you do at the end of an interview?

1. Tell the patient they are fine and don't need any treatment
2. Ignore the patient and leave the room
3. Thank the patient for their time and let them know what the next steps will be.
4. Ask the patient to come back tomorrow

Why is it important to summarize the information gathered during an interview?

1. To reduce the length of the interview
2. To make the healthcare provider's job easier
3. To make the patient feel heard
4. To ensure that all personal information, symptoms, and medication have been accurately recorded.

Practice Activity

Provide students with a practice scenario and encourage them to use the techniques discussed in the lesson. Observe their role-play and provide feedback as needed.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.