Which type of question is best for exploring a patient's feelings or thoughts?

Open-ended questions are best for exploring a patient's feelings or thoughts because they encourage the patient to elaborate and express their emotions or perspectives freely. These questions typically begin with "how," "what," or "tell me about," prompting a more in-depth response rather than a simple "yes" or "no." For instance, asking a patient, "How do you feel about your treatment plan?" invites them to share their feelings and thoughts in detail, facilitating a deeper understanding of their experience and emotional state.

In contrast, closed-ended questions, which usually require a one-word answer or a choice between options, limit the patient's response and do not allow for exploration of their feelings. Leading questions can bias the patient's response by suggesting a particular answer, which may not accurately reflect their true thoughts or feelings. Hypothetical questions involve scenarios that are not directly related to the patient's current situation, making them less effective for gaining insight into the patient's actual emotional state or opinions.