Common response patterns of medical students in interviews of hospitalized patients

Sixty-eight interviews of hospitalized patients by freshmen medical students were examined for common response patterns. Response profiles were constructed for each medical student and subjected to cluster analysis. Four common response patterns were identified: Questioning Facilitators, Declaring Facilitators, Elaborators, and Prompters. The four patterns are distinguished by the different balance they strike between directing the interview and remaining responsive to the patient. Limitations of the study and its practical implications are also considered.