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SOPs

Open questioning clarified

From Dr M. A. Ewan, MRPharmS

I read with interest the article on standard operating procedures (PJ, May 5, pp615–619) and the development of the SWEEP programme by the Welsh Centre for Postgraduate Pharmaceutical Education. I was wondering if and when the Manchester-based CPPE will be developing a similar computerised programme.

In addition, the article states (p619): “The use of open questions (eg, Is there anything you would like to know about your medicines?) should be advocated.” Strictly speaking, this is not an open question since it is likely to direct patients to reply with either a “yes” or “no” response (ie, dichotomised). It is, however, not wrong to use such closed questioning. A combination of both questioning techniques is recommended to probe for further information.

An open question is one that invites patients to use their own words. Hence, an alternative open question of similar meaning would be: “What would you like to know about your medicines?”. This does not lead the patient to a “yes” or “no” response, but instead invites them raise any concerns they may have about their medicines.

Marilyn A. Ewan
London E18

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