Starting the Interview

Behavior Checklist:

 Introduces himself.
 Begins by asking open questions about reasons for the visit.
 Allows patient to complete opening statements without interruption.
 Asks “what else?” or “Is there anything else?” to reveal full set of
complaints.
 Directs and redirects.
 Asks about both physical and psychosocial concerns.
 Summarizes all complaints.
 Adds clinician’s concerns to the list.
 Asks patient to clarify priorities.
 Explains need to address urgent clinical issues.
 States priorities while addressing patient’s agreement.
 Reassures that unaddressed issues will be followed up.