Abstract

GIL GARCIA, Eugenia; ESCUDERO CARRETERO, María; PRIETO RODRIGUEZ, Mª Angeles  and  MARCH CERDA, Joan Carles. A script for the Clinical Interview for First Appraisal, using a participative action methodology. Index Enferm [online]. 2007, vol.16, n.57, pp.09-12. ISSN 1699-5988.

Introduction: The aim of this article is to describe the participative action methodology process undertaken during the years 2002 and 2004, among male and female nurses of the Reina Sofía Hospital in Cordoba (Spain), as part of their training for carrying out the Clinical Interview for First Appraisal. Methodology: The process included training workshops in which 430 professional nurses from the Reina Sofía Hospital took part. Main content: reflecting upon the importance and utility of the interview, practicing interviewing and communication techniques and drafting an interview script. The learning methodology was based on the experience and knowledge of the participants, and on implementation and training in the material. Findings: these can be summed up as follows: 1. Acknowledgement of the utility of the interview as first contact between the nurse, the patient and his relatives. 2. Importance of the script as an essential tool for drafting a quality-based interview. 3. The need to prepare an interview in order to carry it out as part of a care-based conceptual framework. 4. The use of open questions as a tool for focusing on the patient's concerns; and 5. The need to train the nursing staff in communication skills. Conclusions: The Action-Participation-Research is shown to be a useful tool for improving and facilitating the adaptation to new working methods. Being able to reflect together on the importance of the interview and its script, as a working tool, was highly valued by the participants, who unanimously recognise that after the workshops carrying out the Clinical Interview for First Appraisal has been easier and more productive.

Keywords : Cript for the Clinical Interview; Clinical Interview for First Appraisal; Action-Participation-Research; Practicing interviewing; Communication skills.