FREE Trial Course: Speaking TECHNIQUES FOR ASKING QUESTIONS Correct questioning is a key aspect of the medical interview. It has many functions and is used in all stages of the role-play. We ask ‘questions in order to + Identify the patient's main problem or concem + gather information + to confirm what we have heard + to encourage the patient to express themselves + to check that the patient understands Therefore, a good questioning technique can help the role-play run smoothly and allow for effective communication between the health professional and the patient. Open Questions Open questions are often used at the start of the interview as they allow the patient to tell their story. Open questions often begin with wh & how question words. Always listen attentively to what the patient says in response to these questions as this will guide you ‘on what to ask next. What Where How long How often How many/How much What kind of exercise do you 4 Where does it hurt? ‘What does your daughter IWhen was the last time What time does she go to bed? lyou visited a dentist? What time did the accident [Why have you come here happen? today? tt Closed Questions usually have for breakfast? Closed questions are useful to get specific details that you may not have got from the open questions. They are also effective in the ‘ET exam as they encourage natural interaction between the health professional and the patient. Do/Does Is/Are Havestas Can/Could=a Introducing the Question Topic ‘One common questioning technique which is very effective is to introduce the subject first with the phrase what about or how about then follow with a yes/no question as in the sample dialogue below. Patient Well nurse, | haven't been feeling well recently. Patient | have been getting tired a lot. Nurse | see, what about your appetite. Are you eating well? Patient Not really, | haven't felt hungry. Nurse| WHaWabOUuE YOUFSIGSpINgIMABIES. Are you getting enough sleep? Patient Well about 4 or 5 hours a night. Nurse Oh, that's really not enough, is it? Patienti guess not. Nurse How about your work, Are you under any stress atthe moment Patient Yes, a little as its the end of the financial year so | am busy. Embedded Questions You can soften your questioning technique and sound more polite by using embedded questions. Practice this form as it easy to get the word order wrong. Note, however, that embedded questions follow the word order of statements not questions. What time did the accident happen? inat time the accident happened? When did the pain start? hen the pain started? [Could you telt me how long you've had the pain? fase el msi asta or dp [can you tell me if the pain bothers you at night? How long have you had the pain? Why do you want a prescription for sleeping tablets? ny you want a prescription for sleeping tablets? == Encouraging Reluctant Patients ‘Sometimes the patient may need encouragement to provide the information that you need to make a proper assessment of the patient's condition or situation. In these cases, try not to move onto the next stage too quickly. It is better to persist until you get the information that you need. A good technique in this situation is,Probing Questions Probing questions are sometimes necessary to get more detailed or precise information from the patient. + Can you explain exactly why you are worried? Checking Understanding Itis very important to periodically check that the patient can follow your explanations and advice, Tag Questions ‘Tag questions are used to confitm that your information is correct, and are a good indicator of confidence and and fluency with English. However, they can be tricky to use, as it easy to make errors. To study the grammar rules of tag questions click here. This resource was developed by OET Online and is subject to copyright © and cannot be reproduced, reformatted or shared without prior written permission from OET Online. Last modified: Wednesday, 12 February 2020, 3:11 PM = Sample Occupational Therapist Speaking Task: Hip Replacement Precautions Quiz: Question Formation = Return to: 9