Patient Interview Techniques Overview

Information gathered about a patient's condition during an interview

Radiologists often don't directly interview patients, but can utilize patient history from other sources for procedures (like Angiography or radiation therapy).

Precise location of symptoms (e.g., 'distal second metacarpal') is more helpful than vague descriptions.

An effective interview is a collaboration, acknowledging patient feelings and concerns.

Observable information (e.g., lab results, physical exam)

Patient's perception of their condition(e.g., pain, emotions)

Crucial to gathering subjective information from the patient, showing respect, and understanding their emotions.

Clear communication, and respecting a patient's perspectives improves diagnostic accuracy.

The exact location where the patient is experiencing their symptom, often described using anatomical terms or by pointing to the area.

The duration, frequency, and progression of the patient's symptoms over time (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months).

Describing the characteristics of the symptom, like the color, consistency, or feel of body fluids, the size of lumps, or the nature of pain.

The intensity, quantity, or extent of the symptom (e.g., how severe the pain is, how many lesions there are, how large the burn is).

When the symptom first began and what the patient was doing at that time. This includes patterns or events that consistently precede the symptom.

Circumstances that make the symptom worse or trigger it, helping pinpoint potential causes.

Circumstances that improve or reduce the symptom, offering clues to potential treatments or pain relief.

A diagnostic technique where the doctor gently presses on a specific area of the body to assess tenderness, masses, or other abnormalities.

Questions that allow patients to freely describe their symptoms without leading them to a specific answer. They encourage patients to tell their stories.

Using non-verbal cues like nodding or saying 'yes, okay, go on...' to encourage patients to elaborate on their symptoms.

Questions designed to gather more specific details about the patient's symptoms. They focus the interview and refine the information.

Rephrasing the patient's words to ensure understanding and clarify information.

Briefly summarizing what the patient has told you to verify accuracy and ensure both parties are on the same page.

Determining the exact location of the patient's complaint using precise language and possibly touch.

Understanding the timeline of the patient's symptoms, including when they began and how they have changed over time.

Identifying what makes the patient's symptoms worse (aggravating factors) and what makes them better (alleviating factors).

Exploring other symptoms the patient is experiencing that might be connected to the chief complaint.

Seven key elements of a focused patient history that help radiologic and imaging professionals understand the patient's complaint: Localization, Chronology, Quality, Severity, Onset, Aggravating/Alleviating Factors, and Associated Manifestations.