Table 2 Cues, their definition and examples

Observable cues

What was done or said in the situation either by patient or by the interviewer that can also be seen or heard by an observer

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 Interviewer cues

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I opened the information gathering by asking ‘…’

 Reciprocity/Interaction cues

Interviewer cues and patient cues are related in a verbal statement.

I ask a series of closed questions, that is why the patient answers in a low voice with one worded answers.

Memory cues

Explicitly mentioning knowledge and beliefs when elaborating on a judgment. (Probe if the to be coded statement sounds like an answer in a knowledge test on communication skills).

Start the information gathering with an open question

Explain medical terms using patient language, especially when patient looks puzzled

Emerging cues

Verbal elaborations including adjectives indicating that a comparison to an internal standard has taken place

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 Subjective feeling cues

Verbal elaborations using rather content-less, generic attributes.

This question appears to be inappropriate

I have chosen a suitable transition statement

This encounter does not run smoothly

 Omission cues

Verbal elaborations targeting the covering of relevant content of patient’s story.

I forgot to explore about x & y.

 Mentalizing cues

Verbal elaborations interpreting patient’s experience in the situation.

The patient feels ashamed having to talk about x & y.

The patient is in an unpleasant situation.

 Summative behaviour cues

Verbal elaborations using personality adjectives to summarize behaviour.

I appear to talk friendly.

I ask very general questions.