Interviewing adolescents

Abstract

Incorporating a functional approach within the traditional structure of the medical interview allows for improved communication with adolescent patients. Using these techniques results in improved patient satisfaction, more accurate psychosocial diagnosis, and better adherence to treatment recommendations. Many physicians think that using patient-centered interviewing techniques is time-consuming and inefficient, but, in fact, a higher quality and quantity of information usually is obtained per unit time using these techniques. An additional benefit is that this approach is more satisfying for the physician; the enhancement of the therapeutic relationship works both ways. Adolescents become more interesting as people; communication barriers become challenges to be creatively solved rather than annoyances to complain about. Adolescents need and deserve high-quality health care to grow into physically and mentally healthy adults, and effective physician-patient communication skills are the key to delivering that care.