title: Interviewing when family members are present.
abstract: The presence of family members at an office visit creates unique opportunities and challenges for the physician while interviewing the patient. The physician must address issues of confidentiality, privacy, and agency. Special skills are required to respectfully and efficiently involve family members, while keeping the patient at the center of the visit. A core set of interviewing skills exists for office visit interviews with family members present. These skills include building rapport with each participant by identifying their individual issues and perspectives, and encouraging participation by listening to and addressing the concerns of all persons. Physicians should also avoid triangulation, maintain confidentiality, and verify agreement with the plan. It may be necessary to use more advanced family interviewing skills, including providing direction despite problematic communications; managing conflict; negotiating common ground; and referring members to family therapy.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 37614, USA. lang@etsu.edu
authors: Forrest
authors: F
authors: Lang
authors: Kim
authors: K
authors: Marvel
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Sanders
authors: Dael
authors: D
authors: Waxman
authors: Kathleen L
authors: KL
authors: Beine
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Pfaffly
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: McCord
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009819:Office Visits; D018907:Privacy; D011368:Professional-Family Relations