Teaching interviewing for pediatrics.

This paper describes a structured course for teaching interviewing which focuses on the interaction between the patient and the practitioner. Three main areas of learning were selected because of their universal application: relationship, communication, and feelings. Theoretical material is related to positive and negative interactions with patients, and these are described behaviorally in a checklist form. The development of good interviewing techniques consists of increasing the positive interactions and learning to use them as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Different methods are utilized to help students apply these skills in clinical situations. Although this course was developed for a specific group of pediatric practitioners, it can be utilized by all types of health care professionals.