- Describe two reasons why your ROLE or purpose for interviewing changes as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
- Identify one *skilled interviewing technique you plan to use the next time you interview a patient. How does the technique support the therapeutic patient-provider relationship?
The Evolution of Interviewing as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), the role and purpose of conducting patient interviews evolve significantly compared to those in earlier stages of nursing practice. Two main reasons for this change include the need for a deeper understanding of complex health issues and the increasing emphasis on patient-centered care.
Reason 1: A Deeper Understanding of Complex Health Issues
One of the primary reasons for the shift in purpose as an APN is the growing complexity of patient health needs. As an APN, there is an expectation to manage both acute and chronic conditions, often involving multifaceted diagnoses and co-existing disorders. Unlike a registered nurse or a basic nurse practitioner, an APN is required to not only assess immediate symptoms but also take a comprehensive approach, considering the patient’s entire health history, lifestyle factors, and psychological well-being.
In this context, interviews take on a broader role, focusing not only on collecting specific symptom information but also on building a nuanced understanding of the patient’s situation. APNs are expected to gather data that helps with diagnostic accuracy, plan advanced treatments, and identify both social and clinical determinants of health. This depth and breadth of interviewing reflect the growing responsibility of an APN in guiding patient care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Reason 2: The Shift Toward Patient-Centered Care
Another reason for the evolution of the purpose of interviews as an APN is the increasing focus on patient-centered care. As healthcare models continue to emphasize shared decision-making, APNs must engage in therapeutic conversations that empower patients and involve them actively in their care. This is different from more traditional, hierarchical approaches in healthcare, where the provider would dictate the course of treatment.
In patient-centered interviews, the purpose expands from simply obtaining diagnostic information to fostering trust, collaboration, and open communication. By building rapport and listening empathetically, an APN’s role in the interview process becomes more aligned with facilitating a partnership with the patient. This partnership helps ensure that treatment plans not only address clinical concerns but also align with the patient’s values, preferences, and life circumstances.
Skilled Interviewing Technique: Reflective Listening
One skilled interviewing technique that I plan to use in my next patient interview is reflective listening. Reflective listening involves the active listening of the patient’s statements and then mirroring or paraphrasing what they have said to confirm understanding and encourage deeper exploration. This technique demonstrates empathy and validates the patient’s experiences, creating a supportive space for them to feel heard and respected.
For example, if a patient expresses frustration with managing a chronic illness, I might respond with, “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant management of your symptoms, and it’s been difficult to maintain control over your health.” This response not only shows that I am actively listening but also helps the patient feel understood, promoting trust and openness in the conversation.
Reflective listening directly supports the therapeutic patient-provider relationship by fostering emotional safety. Patients are more likely to share personal information about their health, concerns, and emotional state when they feel understood. This level of rapport contributes to the overall effectiveness of the interview, making it possible to gather important information and build a comprehensive care plan that is truly patient-centered.
In conclusion, the role and purpose of interviewing as an APN evolve due to the increasing complexity of patient health concerns and the emphasis on patient-centered care. By integrating skilled techniques such as reflective listening into the patient interview, an APN can strengthen the therapeutic relationship, ensuring that care is not only comprehensive but also empathetic and collaborative.