What technique is a medical assistant using when they paraphrase a patient's statement during an interview?

When a medical assistant paraphrases a patient's statement during an interview, they are demonstrating the technique of paraphrasing. This involves restating the patient's words in the assistant’s own words to ensure understanding and to convey that they are actively engaged in the conversation. Paraphrasing helps clarify the patient's concerns and shows that the assistant is listening attentively, which can foster a sense of trust and open communication.

This technique is particularly effective in healthcare settings, as it allows the patient to hear their thoughts reflected back to them, which can highlight any misunderstandings, clarify details, and encourage further discussion. By rephrasing the statement, the assistant not only checks for accuracy but also validates the patient's feelings and encourages them to express themselves more fully.

In this context, other techniques such as summarizing, active listening, and reflective questioning have different functions. Summarizing involves condensing the main points of the discussion, active listening requires a broader engagement with the patient’s verbal and non-verbal cues, and reflective questioning typically seeks clarification or further elaboration on a point made by the patient. Each technique serves its own purpose, but paraphrasing specifically focuses on restating and confirming what the patient has articulated.