Medical Interview Tool
Below are some general principals about how to approach a child with a chronic illness:
- Review the medical record before beginning the interview, whenever possible. Children, adolescents, and parents sometimes get frustrated by having to review many years of diagnoses and illness. If you are unfamiliar with the particular disease or condition, educate yourself about it in advance. Also, keep in mind that each child is unique and the illness may not have a classical presentation.
- Speak directly to the child, especially if school-age or adolescent, and include parents.
- Begin with open-ended questions:
- Ask the child/adolescent, “Tell me about yourself;”
- Ask the parent “Tell me about your child.”
In both instances, the interview style allows the individual to express the reason or goals for the visit, and concerns. Many older children/adolescents and parents enjoy educating healthcare workers. Parents can also frequently help you to understand how their child is differs from the child with the illness as it is classically described.
- Ask the child/adolescent, “Tell me about yourself;”
- Follow initial questions with more directive approach to fill in details. Use the general information obtained to find out specifics.
- “How does cystic fibrosis affect your ability to participate in physical education class?”
- “Can you play the same games as other kids?”
- “How does cystic fibrosis affect your ability to participate in physical education class?”
- Work with the family to come up with a good treatment plan. Collaboration is a key to optimizing a child’s health care. See the Shared Decision Making Resource for more information.
- Write down instructions. Children with chronic illness often have many different medications and treatments — adding a new treatment or regimen can be confusing. Make sure instructions are clear and your compliance will improve greatly.