Clinical

Psychology
Group
8th Batch
PRESENTED BY
Asfa Rahman
Presentation INSTRUCTOR
MD. TORUN
Reeti HASAN
Lomat Al Noor ASSIST.
Jarin Tasneem INTERVIEW PROFESSOR
Zihad Akondo
 Overview
• What is interview>
• Interviewer and Interviewee
• What is Clinical Interview?
• Interview vs. Test
• Purpose of Clinical Interviews
• Preparation Before An Interview
• strategies for Conducting An Effective
Interview
• Computer-Based Interviews
• Types of Interviews
• Special Considerations
•
Objectives
 Objectives

1
• Understand the 2 3
definition and
• Identify the
significance of • See some special
advantages and
clinical considerations
interviews
disadvantages of

• Explore the various interview

• Challenges
different types of types.
clinical
interviews
What is Interview
Does it look like this
Interviewer Interviewee

The person providing

The healthcare answers to the
professional questions
conducting the asked during the
interview interview
Introduction
• Definition:
⚬ A clinical interview is a conversation between a
clinician and a patient, primarily designed to
gather information, diagnose mental health
conditions, and understand the psychological state
"The clinical interview is an interaction between two
of the patient.
people, with the goal of understanding the person in a
nonjudgmental and empathetic manner, to facilitate
⚬ : change."
insight and therapeutic

Carl
Rogers
 Is Interview A Test?
Or Are They Different?
 Interview Test

• Your
Non-interactive
paragraph text
• Interactive
• Typically more
• Typically more flexible
structured
• Qualitative Data
• Quantitative Data
Collected
Collected
• Provides a holistic
• Provides specific
understanding of the
diagnostic
patient's situation
information
 Treatment Planning:
Using information to
design personalized
treatment plans for the
patient.

Diagnosis: Understanding the

Gathering necessary Patient’s Experience:
information to make a
PURPOSES Gaining insights into
mental health diagnosis the patient's emotional,
(e.g., through DSM-5 cognitive, and
Building Rapport:
criteria). behavioral state.
Establishing trust and
a strong relationship
to foster open
communication.
 PREPARATION BEFORE
CONDUCTING A CLINICAL INTERVIEW
 OPTIMIZE THE INTERVIEW ENVIRONMENT

• Ensure Confidentiality and Comfort: Create a setting that is private, quiet, and free
from distractions. A calm and secure environment enhances patient comfort and
ensures the confidentiality of the conversation. Research has shown that a well-
prepared setting promotes trust and effective communication (Pomerantz et al.,
2013).
• Minimize Distractions: Turn off electronic devices and reduce background noise to
help patients feel more at ease and encourage focused, uninterrupted dialogue.
 REVIEW RELEVANT PATIENT INFORMATION

• Gather Key Background Information: Familiarize yourself with the patient’s

medical, psychological, and social history prior to the interview. This allows for a
more focused and informed conversation, helping to identify pertinent issues from
the outset (Rosenhan & Seligman, 1995).

• Understand the Presenting Issue: Review the patient's reason for seeking care
to prepare targeted questions and make the interview more efficient and relevant.
 CLARIFY INTERVIEW OBJECTIVES

• Define the Purpose of the Interview: Establish whether the goal is diagnostic,
therapeutic, or relationship-building. Having clear objectives will guide your
approach and question formulation (Berg, 2009).

• Set Specific Goals: Consider what outcomes you hope to achieve, such as
symptom assessment, developing a treatment plan, or building rapport for long-
term care.
EFFECTIE INTERVIEWING
STRATEGIES
Establish Rapport Active Listening Managing Silence
Note-Taking Observe Non-Verbal Cues Non-Judgemental
Attitude
 • Show Genuine Interest

• Be Empathetic

• Use Positive Body Language

• Be Respectful
Establish Rapport
• Find Common Ground

• Be Honest and Transparent

• Adapt to Their

Communication Style
 • Full Attention
Focus on the speaker, avoid
distractions, and use open body
language.
• Reflecting & Paraphrasing
Repeat or paraphrase what the
Active Listening
Establish Rapport patient says to confirm
understanding.
Benefits:
• Improved Patient Satisfaction
• Better Information Gathering
• Reduced Misunderstandings
 • Pause and Reflect:
Allow for moments of silence after
asking a question. Patients may
need time to process or reflect
before responding.
Managing Silence • Comfortable Silence:
Silence can create space for
patients to collect their thoughts
and express feelings that they
might otherwise leave unsaid.
 • Key Tips for Effective Note-Taking:
1.Be Clear and Concise
2.Record key points, symptoms, and relevant
details, focusing on clarity and brevity.
3.Use Standardized Formats
4.Follow established guidelines or templates
(e.g., SOAP: Subjective, Objective,
Assessment, Plan) to ensure consistency.
Note-Taking 5.Document Key Facts, Not Opinions
6.Stick to objective observations and factual
information rather than personal
interpretations.
7.Prioritize Relevant Information
8.Focus on important details such as patient
history, diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-
up instructions.
 • Facial Expressions
• Body Posture
• Eye Contact
• Gestures
• Tone of Voice
• Physical Distance
Observe Non-Verbal Cues • Why Observing Non-Verbal Cues
Matters:
• Provides deeper insights into a
patient's emotions, concerns,
and mental state.
• Helps detect unspoken issues, such
as pain, anxiety, or confusion.
 • Acceptance and Respect
• Avoiding Labels or Stereotypes
• Open-Mindedness
• Avoiding Criticism or Judgment
Benefits of a Non-Judgmental
Attitude:
Non-Judgemental • Builds trust and rapport with
patients, allowing them to feel
Attitude
comfortable sharing sensitive
information.
• Promotes a positive and inclusive
healthcare environment.
• Increases patient satisfaction and
encourages open communication.
 Empathy conveys
Research highlights that body understanding and respect for
language is crucial for effective the patient’s experience. This
communication and can improves patient engagement
significantly affect treatment
and facilitates the exchange of
outcomes (Miller & Rollnick,
sensitive information (Lamb et
2013).
al., 2004).
Computer-Based
Interviews
 Pro
• Faster Process
s
• 24/7 Availability
• Reduced Bias
• Comfort and Privacy

•
Cons
Limited Personal Interaction
• Technical Difficulties
• Lack of Flexibility
• Accessibility Issues
• Security and Privacy
There are concerns about the
confidentiality of patient data when using
computerized systems, especially
regarding data breaches or unauthorized
access, which might be more difficult to
manage in fully digitalized processes
(Roth, 2015).
TYPES

• ON THE BASIS OF
STRUCTURE
1.STRUCTURED
2.SEMI-
STRUCTURED
3.UNSTRUCTURED
 CHARACTERISTICS

• Standardized questions are

asked in a specific sequence.
• Every client receives the same
set of questions.

Example:
Structured Clinical Interview for
DSM Disorders (SCID).
 ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
• High Reliability and • Inflexibility
Validity • May not build strong
• Adheres closely to DSM rapport with clients.
diagnostic criteria. • Time-Consuming
• Provides consistent data
for comparison.
 CHARACTERISTICS

• Combines standardized
questions with flexibility to
explore topics further.
• The interviewer can adapt the
sequence and add probes
based on client.
Example:
Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule
(ADIS).
 ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

• Balance of Structure and • Training Requirements

Flexibility • Can take longer than
• Chance of Building Rapport structured interviews.
• Effective in both clinical and • Flexibility can lead to
research settings.
variability in data
collection.
 CHARACTERISTICS

• Open-ended, informal
conversation guided by
the client’s responses.
• No predefined set of
questions or order.
 ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

• Flexibility • Low Reliability

• Risk of Missing Key
• Builds Rapport
Information
• Client-Led
• Diagnostic Ambiguity
Exploration
TYPES

ON THE BASIS OF PURPOSE

1.Intake Interview
2.Diagnostic Interview
3.Mental Status Examination
(MSE) Interview
1. Intake Interview
Purpose: The intake interview is used as the initial meeting between the clinician
and the patient. Its goal is to gather basic information and understand the
presenting problem (e.g., why the patient is seeking therapy or help).
Content: This type typically includes questions about the patient’s personal
history, current symptoms, reasons for seeking help, and any relevant medical,
psychiatric, or family background.
Use: Common in therapy settings and initial consultations with a mental health
professional.
2. Diagnostic Interview
Purpose: A diagnostic interview focuses on identifying psychological
disorders based on the symptoms and history the patient provides. This is
more structured and detailed to assess specific diagnostic criteria (e.g.,
DSM-5 or ICD).
Content: It often involves a set of standardized questions aimed at
identifying conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Use: Common in psychiatric evaluations, mental health assessments, or
when the clinician is trying to arrive at a formal diagnosis.
3. Mental Status Examination (MSE) Interview
Purpose: The Mental Status Examination (MSE) is used to assess the
current psychological functioning of a patient at the time of the interview.
Content: The MSE covers areas like appearance, behavior, speech, mood,
thoughts, cognition, and insight.
Use: Common in psychiatric evaluations, often used alongside diagnostic
interviews, to evaluate the immediate state of the patient's mental health
TYPES

• OTHERS:
1.TELEPHONE
2. PERSON-TO-PERSON
 Telephone
Face-To-Face Interview
Interview

Advantage: Easier for the participant to

Advantage: Direct interaction
feel anonymous

Disadvantage: Requires both

Disadvantage: Lack of visual cues
parties to be in the same location

Best Suited For: In-depth

Best Suited For: Situations where interviews, clinical assessments, or
physical presence isn’t necessary cases requiring immediate,
personal connection
 That’s Not All...

There are special considerations and

challenges
 SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS

• Confidentiality and Ethical

• Cultural Sensitivity
Issues
• Language and
• Legal and Institutional
Communication
Barriers
Considerations

• Patient’s Emotional • Sensitivity to Gender and

State Sexual Orientation

 SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS

Cultural Sensitivity

• Healthcare providers should be aware of

cultural traditions, customs, and preferences.
• Patients may have cultural or religious
practices that affect their care.
• Importance of avoiding stereotypes and
embracing cultural diversity in treatment.
 SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS

Language and Communication Barriers

• Language barriers can lead to

miscommunication, misunderstanding, and
errors in diagnosis or treatment.
• Non-verbal cues may vary across cultures,
affecting patient-provider interactions.
• Patients with limited proficiency in the primary
language may feel isolated or anxious.
 SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS

Patient’s Emotional State

• A patient's emotional state can affect their health
outcomes, treatment adherence, and decision-
making.
• Anxiety, fear, depression, and stress can hinder
effective communication and care.
• Hence, it is important to recognize and address the
emotional well-being of the patient during healthcare
interactions.
 SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS

Confidentiality and Ethical Issues

• Healthcare providers are required to maintain
patient confidentiality (HIPAA laws in the U.S.
and similar regulations globally).
• Breaching confidentiality can harm the patient’s
trust and well-being.
• Ethical dilemmas arise when balancing patient
rights with legal obligations (e.g., reporting
certain conditions).
 SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Legal and Institutional Considerations
• Healthcare providers must comply with local,
state, and national regulations (e.g., medical
licensure, patient consent).
• Institutions may have policies regarding care
procedures, patient rights, and staff
responsibilities.
• Legal issues may arise in cases of malpractice,
negligence, or non-compliance with
regulations.
 SPECIAL
CONSIDERATIONS

Sensitivity to Gender and Sexual Orientation

• Use inclusive language and ask respectful

questions about gender and sexual orientation.
• Avoid making assumptions about a patient’s
identity or lifestyle.
• Provide care that is sensitive to the specific
health risks and needs of diverse populations.
• Create a safe and non-judgmental environment
for all patients.
 Challenges
• Patient Anxiety and Resistance
• Time Constraints
• Bias and Prejudices
• Language and Communication Issues
• Handling Sensitive or Traumatic Topics
• Complex Cases
Patient Anxiety and Resistance Time Constraints

• Patients often experience anxiety or • Time pressures in healthcare settings

fear when seeking medical care, which can limit the opportunity for thorough
can affect their willingness to follow communication, leading to rushed
treatment plans or communicate interactions with patients. Providers
openly. Resistance to treatment may may struggle to balance patient needs
arise from lack of trust, fear of with administrative tasks.
procedures, or previous negative
experiences.
•
 Bias and Prejudices Communication Issues

• Patients often experience anxiety or • Time pressures in healthcare settings can

fear when seeking medical care, which limit the opportunity for thorough

can affect their willingness to follow communication, leading to rushed

treatment plans or communicate interactions with patients. Providers may

struggle to balance patient needs with
openly. Resistance to treatment may
administrative tasks. It is crucial for
arise from lack of trust, fear of
healthcare workers to manage time
procedures, or previous negative
efficiently while ensuring patients feel
experiences.
heard and understood.
Handling Sensitive or Traumatic Complex Cases
Topics • Complex medical or psychological
• Discussing sensitive or traumatic cases involve multiple factors, such
topics, such as mental health issues, as co-existing conditions, multiple
sexual assault, or serious specialists, or difficult-to-diagnose
diagnoses, requires tact, respect, symptoms. These cases may
and care. Healthcare providers must require extended time, specialized
approach such topics delicately, knowledge, and careful
ensuring the patient feels safe and
coordination of care.
supported.
The team
 The team

Asfa Rahman Lomat AL Noor Jarin Tasneem Zihad Akondo

Reeti
CONCLUSION
THANK
YOU