Create a relaxed and harmonious environment

Let the patient fully state

Tracing the exact time of onset of first symptoms to the current evolution

Use transitional language between two consultation items

Use different types of questions depending on the situation

Pay attention to systematicness and purpose

Summary at the end of each part

Avoid medical jargon

Citation to verify the information provided by the patient

Appearance, etiquette, friendly manners

Appropriate use of language of evaluation, praise and encouragement

Ask about the financial situation and whether there is financial and emotional support from family and work unit.

Understand the exact purpose and requirements of the patient’s visit

Check whether the patient understands what the doctor means

When asked about something you don’t know, you can’t take it casually or be perfunctory, nor can you simply answer that you don’t know—provide what you know for the patient’s reference.

At the end, thank the patient for their cooperation

Ask the doctor about the most important or single questions

In the ward

Silence and sadness - respect, patience, encouragement

Anxiety and Depression – Relief and Appropriateness

Talkativeness and nagging - limited questions, clever interruptions, letting the patient take a break, careful observation, and separate consultations

Anger and hostility - calm, understanding, neither humble nor arrogant

Multiple symptoms coexist—seize the key and grasp the essence

Lying and distrust – recognize and wait until the patient is emotionally stable before asking

Low literacy level and language barrier - easy to understand language, slow down questions, repetition when necessary

Severe and advanced stage - initial treatment, stabilization of the condition, and detailed medical history

Disabled patients - compassion, patience, carefulness

Elderly people - simple, clear and easy-to-understand general questions; slow down the consultation speed; pay attention to the patient's reaction; collect supplements from family members and friends when necessary

Children - Parents or caregivers should indicate the reliability and be considerate of anxiety,

Patients with mental illness - insight: people's ability to understand their own psychological and physiological states (the patient's ability to understand their own illness)