Question

Which of the following questions or statements would be an appropriate termination of the health history interview?

1) "Well, I can't think of anything else to ask you right now."
2) "Can you think of anything else you would like to tell me?"
3) "I wish you could have remembered more about your illness."
4) "Perhaps we can talk again sometime. Goodbye."

Answer 1

The most appropriate way to conclude a health history interview is by asking the patient if there is anything else they would like to add, confirming thoroughness and promoting a patient-centered approach.

Step-by-step explanation:

When concluding a health history interview, it is critical to end the interaction in a manner that maintains rapport and ensures that the patient has had every opportunity to communicate relevant information. Among the given options, "Can you think of anything else you would like to tell me?" is the most appropriate way to terminate the interview. This open-ended question invites the patient to share any additional thoughts or concerns, thereby reinforcing the collaborative nature of the interview process. It demonstrates that the healthcare provider is thorough and patient-centered, which can encourage the patient to be more forthcoming and contribute to a more comprehensive health history. In contrast, the other statements may be perceived as dismissive or critical, potentially undermining the trust and rapport that is essential for an effective healthcare provider-patient relationship.