A Medical Interviewing Course: Objectives, Techniques, and Assessment

The authors describe a course for teaching medical interviewing skills to medical students. Course components included a programmed manual, observing a skilled interviewer, role-playing exercises, programmed medical interviewing films, and interviewing patients. The majority of the course was conducted in a small-group setting during a one-week period. Student participation was emphasized in course planning and discussion groups and as learners and teachers. Students and instructors rated the course as above average to excellent. The students showed a significant learning gain in medical interviewing techniques.