The Medical Interview: Mastering Skills for Clinical Practice

This text addresses the practical and tacit issues involved in the medical interview as the critical tool for the establishment and continution of a clinician-patient relationship. It contains real-life examples of interviews; explains how to reduce malpractice suits through effective communication; provides guidelines on how to talk to patients about complementary and alternative therapies; discusses cultural and ethnic diversity isues and English as a second language; and discusses the communication skills needed with patients with alternative sexual orientations. A pocket card summarizes the main points to remember in conducting a medical interview.