A self-learning approach to history-taking

Abstract

The present study examines the effectiveness of self-learning in interviewing skills training. Self-learning was carried out by self-evaluation of one's interviews by the use of an audiotape. Fifteen doctors specializing in internal medicine listened to their interviews and evaluated themselves against the suggested performance included in a rating scale. This procedure was repeated twice and composed the educational programme. Three main aspects of history-taking were involved: (1) eliciting patient information; (2) interviewing technique and (3) attitudes toward the patient. Comparison of performance at the first and third interview revealed significant improvement in all three aspects. Doctor-patient communication and written history performance were involved indirectly in the study but no significant improvement was revealed. The educational approach appeared simple and effective to the doctors. It is suggested that a brief programme of self-learning with feedback from audiotapes is both convenient and effective, improving essential aspects of history-taking performance.