At the beginning of training many of the staff who participated in the MDS
national test were hesitant about the interviews. However, after learning some simple
interview techniques and actually using the interviews with residents most were
pleasantly surprised by the gains in information and time. Particular interview
approaches can increase response rates in our vulnerable residents. The next
section of the video will highlight techniques that will help you in various
interview situations. Let's watch the beginning of one interview.
"Can I help you turn the chair around?"
"Mrs. White, Mrs. White"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for agreeing to come to your room to talk with me. As I said in the
REC room a few minutes ago my name is April, and I'm one of the nursing staff
here at Eastern Home."
"Who?"
"My name is April, and I'm a nurse here at Eastern Home."
"Ok April."
"Is it alright if I take a few minutes to talk with you?"
"Yes, ok."
"Should I sit here? Can you see me and hear me?"
"Oh, could you come a little closer?"
"Sure, of course. Now I need to understand that you can hear me. Have you ever
worn a hearing aid?"
"Oh yes, years ago, but I could never work it."
"Well, some people have some trouble hearing me. That's why I always bring this
hearing amplifier. This is often helpful for people who can't understand me in
this tone, so I don't have to shout. It's a headphone and microphone connected
together. Let me show you how it works first, and if you like you can try it and
see if it might work.
"OK."
"You put the headphones over your ears, and then this connects to here. And,
this is the microphone that I'll be speaking into. Do you think you might like
to try it?"
"Oh sure."
"Ok. You can adjust them so they fit comfortably over your ears. Let me turn this
on. Is that better?"
"Oh yes, yes. It's very good!"
"Terrific, terrific."
"Oh, wow. You want me to hold it?"
"If you could do that for me, it would be great."
"I hear you fine."
"Wonderful. Now, have you ever worn glasses?"
"Oh yes, I think they're in the drawer over there."
"Ok, may I get them for you to wear?"
"Yes please."
"Well, it's wonderful to have you with us. I understand you came to us from another facility. How's your stay been
with us so far?"
"Well, everybody's been very nice. But, you know what? It's cold in here."
"Oh, can I get you something to wear, something warm, um, how about your lovely
sweater?"
"Yes, that would be very good."
"Great. How's that?"
"That's nice. Much better."
"Now, what I'd like to do today is ask you some questions about your
concentration, about your mood and how you've been feeling over the past couple
of weeks. I'd also like to ask you some questions about your routine here at the
nursing home, and I'd like to ask you some questions about physical pain. Does
that sound ok?"
"Oh yes, very good."
"Great."