Attend to timing to keep interview on track

• Time constraint is a constant concern in modern medicine
• A key skill is to be able to manage time effectively and pace the session so balanced amounts of time are taken for each section

How can you more effectively use what time you have with your patient?

• Being ‘present’ for the patient, both verbally and non-verbally
• Negotiating time up front by offering future appointments or contact
• Manufacturing a sense of time / creating an impression you are not rushed: encouraging questions, relaxed demeanor, level / controlled speech

Exercise: You are a family doctor with a busy practice. You’ve booked 10 minutes to see Mrs. Patel, a 31 year-old female with ear pain. You’re 40 minutes behind schedule. How would you address this issue? How might Mrs. Patel react?

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