Evaluating interviewing techniques for the sexual practices history. Use of video trigger tapes to assess patient comfort.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Evaluating interviewing techniques for the sexual practices history. Use of video trigger tapes to assess patient comfort.

Arch Fam Med. 1999 May-Jun;8(3):218-23. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99266358
Floyd M; Lang F; Beine KL; McCord E; Department of Family Medicine, James H. Quillen College of; Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, USA.; floyd@etsu.edu

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although physicians recognize the importance of assessing a patient's risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, many are reluctant to explore a person's sexual history, a principal determinant of this risk. OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility of a research design that uses responses to viewing a videotaped interview as a proxy for how patients might feel if they were interviewed using a specific approach, and to determine comfort levels with a variety of interview approaches for conducting HIV risk assessment. METHODS: Individuals responded to a videotape of several interviewing approaches for HIV risk assessment. Responses to the following aspects were collected: introduction of HIV risk assessment, assessment of patient comfort with the topic, techniques for collecting HIV risk and sexual information, and exploration of sensitive issues not previously identified. Participants expressed levels of comfort by means of a Likert scale to rate their comfort with each approach. RESULTS: Participants expressed higher comfort levels with an introduction that used a ubiquity statement or lifestyle bridge question. Also, they expressed greater comfort when the interviewer addressed how they felt about responding to questions about their HIV risk. Participants reported highest levels of comfort with both patient-centered and closed-ended interviewing techniques. Women were less comfortable with an open-ended interviewing technique. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals have different comfort levels for approaches used to assess HIV risk. This trigger tape experimental design to assess comfort levels for interview techniques is feasible for exploring other aspects of physician-patient communication; additional validation studies are recommended.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Adult Aged Feasibility Studies Female Human HIV Infections/TRANSMISSION Male Medical History Taking/*METHODS Middle Age Patients/*PSYCHOLOGY *Sex Behavior *Videotape Recording
990830
A9980928

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .