Smith's Patient Centered Interviewing: An Evidence-Based Method, Fourth Edition

The definitive evidence-based guide to effective patient-centered interviewing

A Doody’s Core Title for 2022, 2024 & 2026! 

Smith’s Patient-Centered Interviewing, Fourth Edition is a practical introductory textbook covering the essentials of patient interviewing. The most evidence based-guide available on the topic, and endorsed by the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, this acclaimed resource applies the proven 5-Step approach which integrates patient and clinical centered skills to improve effectiveness without adding extra time to the interview duration.

Smith’s Patient-Centered Interviewing covers important topics such as:

• Patient Education
• Motivating for behavior change
• Breaking bad news
• Managing different personality types
• Increasing personal awareness in mindful practice
• Nonverbal communication
• Using computers in the exam room
• Reporting and presenting evaluations

The book’s user-friendly design features icons, boxed case vignettes, and the use of color to highlight key points. Learning aids include practice exercises in each chapter, a pocket card, lists of essential questions, and graphics that facilitate understanding and retention.

If you are in need of an evidence-based text that provides a proven systematic framework for taking an effective history, your search ends here.

August Hector Fortin, VI, MD, MPH, is Associate Professor of Medicine at Yale University.


Francesca Dwamena, MD, MS, FACP, FAACH, is Chairperson of the Department of Medicine, and Professor of Medicine, Michigan State University.


Richard M. Frankel, PhD, is Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. 


Robert Smith, MD, is Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Michigan State University.