Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2021

collect information to assist in diagnosis (the “history” of

the present illness), to understand patient values, to assess

and communicate prognosis, to establish a therapeutic

relationship, and to reach agreement with the patient about

further diagnostic procedures and therapeutic options. It

also serves as an opportunity to influence patient behavior,

such as in motivational discussions about smoking cessa-

tion or medication adherence. Interviewing techniques

that avoid domination by the clinician increase patient

involvement in care and patient satisfaction. Effective

clinician-patient communication and increased patient

involvement can improve health outcomes.