Chapter 6: The Art of Interviewing

Chapter 6, “The art of interviewing,” presents a comprehensive exploration of the interviewing process within the healthcare context, a critical aspect of professional communication. This chapter is meticulously designed to guide health professionals through the intricacies of conducting effective and empathetic interviews, essential for building rapport, understanding patient needs, and delivering exceptional care.

We start the chapter with the “Relational inquiry approach to communication.” This section introduces a framework that emphasises the importance of building relationships through communication. It focuses on understanding patients within their life context, thereby enabling healthcare professionals to provide care that is not only clinically sound but also personally meaningful.

Following this, we delve into the “Anti-racist approach to communication.” In this increasingly diverse world, it is crucial to address communication from an anti-racist perspective. This section explores strategies for recognising and dismantling racial biases in healthcare communication, ensuring that interviews are conducted in a manner that is respectful, inclusive, and equitable for all patients.

The core of the chapter is “The interview.” Here, we outline the fundamental aspects of the interview process in healthcare, setting the stage for the subsequent detailed discussions. This section provides an overview of the goals and significance of interviewing in a healthcare setting, setting the tone for a deeper understanding of its various components.

“Preparing for the interview” addresses the essential steps healthcare professionals should take before meeting the patient. This includes practical advice on gathering information, setting objectives for the interview, and creating a conducive environment. Also covered is the crucial aspect of “Self-reflection and mindfulness prior to the interview,” which guides professionals in mentally and emotionally preparing themselves for the interaction, ensuring they are present, focused, and empathetic.

“Beginning the interview” discusses how to effectively initiate the interview, creating an atmosphere of trust and openness. This section highlights the importance of first impressions, setting the right tone, and establishing rapport from the outset.

In “Types of interview questions,” we explore the variety of questions that can be used to elicit information, from open-ended to closed questions, and how each type serves a specific purpose in the healthcare interview.

“Therapeutic communication techniques” introduces specific strategies for enhancing the quality of communication during the interview. These techniques are aimed at encouraging patient expression, showing empathy, and actively engaging the patient in their care process.

Finally, “Concluding the interview” provides guidance on effectively closing the interview. This includes summarising key points, clarifying the next steps, and ensuring that the patient feels heard and understood. This section emphasizes the importance of leaving the patient with a sense of closure and clear understanding of the discussed matters.

In this chapter, our objective is to equip health professionals with the skills and knowledge to conduct interviews that are not only informative but also therapeutic, fostering a deeper connection with patients and enhancing the overall quality of care.