Needling for Information

Part of my registration at Queen’s requires ensuring that my vaccinations are up-to-date. I also need blood work to prove that I have immunity to the communicable diseases that I may be exposed to in a hospital environment. All of this amounted to being jabbed repeatedly.

But it also generated an amusing encounter, raising the question of how a health professional should ask a patient for sensitive information. One of the tests required was for HIV. As my family doctor was filling out a requisition form, his pen drifted over a section where risk categories should be identified. These could include being sexually active or taking injected drugs. A brief pause. The pen faltered, before moving on to the next section. Finally about a minute later, he turned to me asking (Irish accent required) “have you got a girlfriend, then?”. No, I answered,… and he left it at that.

How do doctors ask sensitive questions? A direct, unashamed approach relies on trust within the doctor-patient relationship, while needling gently around the edges may illicit more honest responses. What to ask, and how to ask it? Respect for privacy may allow medically important clues to remain hidden. On the other hand, requesting personal information that is not absolutely necessary is invasive and can warrant an official complaint.

As we learn interview skills in first year, I hope to hear from the professionals what they have learned about asking personal questions.