Logical Sequence to interview

• Flexible yet ordered approach
• Clear transitions via signposting
• Sequence is apparent and understood by your patient

Store a mental image of the interview structure in your head (or on your notes)

• Allows flexibility: ability to take stock at points of what has / has not been achieved thus far
• Allows you to follow the flow of the interview, but still remain on task and aware of what needs to be covered

Exercise: Practice quickly drawing out your preferred interview outline/skeleton (if you don’t have one, invent or modify one you’ve seen) as you would before you enter an OSCE station. When you interview standardized patients, always use this outline and familiarize yourself with it. 

Silverman, J., Kurtz, S., & Draper, J. (2013). Skills for Communicating with Patients (Thrid Edit). London: Radcliffe Publishing.