What type of questions require the patient to provide detailed answers?

Open-ended questions are designed to encourage patients to provide detailed and comprehensive responses. These types of questions are formulated to allow individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words. For instance, asking a patient, “Can you describe how the pain feels?” invites them to elaborate on their symptoms, rather than confining their response to a simple "yes" or "no."

Such questions are particularly useful in the medical field because they foster a more extensive dialogue, giving healthcare providers invaluable insights into a patient's condition, concerns, and overall narrative. This method not only enhances the clinician's understanding but also makes the patient feel more involved and recognized in the conversation regarding their health.