TOUGHSTUFF: I KID YOU NOT!

... are minefields of sorts. First of all, you don't really know what to expect the moment you step into the room-- the person, the atmosphere? Or maybe even the examiner, for that matter, determines how well you're about to set off, and even then the battle's not even close to completion yet.

Next comes the introduction: how do you phrase yourself as to not sound uninformed and yet not bore the recepient with a lengthy, self-indulgent monologue? Ah, the subtleties involved; such balance so easily overturned and ruined by a missed moment. Imagine, how, while attempting to sound professional, a facade of concern and a shred of humanity is to be shown. "How may I address you?" as compared to "what's your name?" makes a huge difference as far as first impressions are concerned. And then there's stating the purpose of having the interview, since many patients do not realize the significance of patient histories. The intention of taking one may as well blow up in the person's (handling the case) face if the right intent is not stated to begin with.

Personal details are very tricky, as there's always the inherent danger of sounding like an uncaring automaton asking questions with a straight face. 2 possibilities may be utilized hence:
1. genuinely care
2. be a good actor
with (apparent) concern being of paramount importance here. Building rapport is equally as, if not more important than the information gained in itself, and that has is to be reflected by the questions you ask and the gesture you use.

Addressing the main ail is of course next, for without an ailment there would be no need for patient history. Having said that, however, some cases known are downright ridiculous: for there may not be a condition, but the patient may just be there because "my pet (insert animal) just died and I'm depressed".

If you ask me, I'd say give the patient a swift kick in the nether region and send the person off.

but of course,..

concern.

So we address the worries and the problem the ail is causing, the onset, etc ad nauseam, all the while trying to be attentive and to slip in a few idle chats to make it more comfortable for the patient. The act of juggling such sentiments are a feat in itself, I must say.

And if it turns out well, the patient (okay, maybe the patient's relative) may just forgive you if you've accidentally killed said patient.

And that is why concern and a silver tongue helps most of the time in this field.

Speaking of which, the patient interview assesment test it tomorrow for me.