What type of questions are recommended for gathering information from patients?

Open-ended questions are recommended for gathering information from patients because they encourage more detailed and comprehensive responses. This type of questioning allows patients to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words, providing healthcare professionals with richer, more nuanced information. By using open-ended questions, practitioners can uncover issues that may not be immediately apparent through more structured questioning methods.

For example, asking a patient, "Can you tell me about your experience with your symptoms?" invites a narrative that can reveal important context, nuances, and underlying concerns that are crucial for understanding the patient's condition and needs. This approach fosters a therapeutic relationship by demonstrating that the practitioner values the patient's perspective and encourages a more engaging dialogue.

In contrast, multiple-choice questions, close-ended questions, and yes or no questions often limit the patient's responses and can lead to missed opportunities for deeper understanding. These formats tend to restrict the answers to predefined options, potentially leaving out important information that could aid in proper diagnosis and treatment.