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Before the interview

• It is right to be cautious to begin with. As with entering any unfamiliar environment or meeting strangers you need to know where you stand. Familiarise yourself with the ward's policy and identify if there are any portable alarms.
   
• Ask experienced members of the multidisciplinary team which patients would be appropriate for you to interview. They are unlikely to send you to patients they have concerns about themselves.
   
• At least to begin with see patients who have already been admitted or are well known to staff.
   
• You may wish to inform a member of staff which patient you are taking for interview and where it is being undertaken.

During the interview

• By being courteous and informing the patient you are a student trying to learn they are more than willing to talk - perhaps more so than to the doctors themselves!
   
• Choose the environment in which to interview the patient carefully. Ensure you are close to an exit, if necessary, and that staff are nearby in case problems arise.
   
• Check if it's alright to ask private questions first and if you notice the patient becomes uncomfortable or irritable change tact.
   
• Remain calm and back away should problems arise.

After the interview

• In the unlikely event of any difficulties arising inform the team that you are working with. Don't let this deter from interviewing other patients - get straight back to it.