Toward understanding ethnic and cultural factors in the interviewing process.

Abstract

The clinical interview is critical in the diagnostic assessment undertaking in clinical settings, and cultural/ethnic influences have been shown to influence the outcome of this process. Specifically, a number of studies have reported that proportionally far more ethnic minorities than Caucasians are likely to be misdiagnosed when assessed for psychiatric disorders. This particularly is the case when open clinical interviews are used. Semistructured interviews, on the other hand, result in an increase in diagnostic accuracy with ethnic minorities. Parameters associated with bias in the clinical interview of ethnic minorities and its impact on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment decisions are examined. Although the current discussion focuses primarily on African Americans, many examples are provided that pertain to other ethnic groups. Strategies for addressing these issues are explored and recommendations for increasing cultural competence are made. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

The effect of post-injury depression on return to pre-injury function: a prospective cohort study

“…To avoid a potential bias inherent in a convenience sample, we randomly drew participants from the population of all minor injury patients in the ED. Race/ethnicity has been known to result in either over- or under-diagnosis of psychiatric disorders (Aklin & Turner, 2006; Flaskerud, 2001; Rosenthal & Berven, 1999). We used structured psychiatric interviews which are shown to minimize bias associated with race/ethnicity (Akpaffiong et al 1999).…”

Underdiagnosis and Referral Bias of Autism in Ethnic Minorities

“…However, bias in general diagnostic assessment is more likely during spontaneous clinical judgments than following ratings of explicit diagnostic categories (Aklin and Turner 2006;Zalsman et al 2001). This is alarming since physicians rely on clinical judgment or subjective questions more than on explicit standardized measures (Dosreis and Weiner 2006;King and Glascoe 2003;Sices et al 2004), despite the recommended use of explicit screening instruments for developmental disorders in infants and young children (Duby et al 2006).…”

Patient initiation of information: Exploring its role during the mental health intake visit

“…It usually includes a clinical interview which holds multiple aims, including but not limited to: establishing diagnosis, facilitating rapport, providing psycho-educational tools, and planning treatment [1–3]. Despite its importance for determining patient care, the intake visit has been subject to little empirical investigation [4–6]. Furthermore, there is a lack of information as to how clinicians integrate the information gathered as part of the intake visit to guide their decision-making.…”