Transitions in an interview refer to what?

• A. Repeating questions to ensure accuracy
• B. Changing directions in an interview or bridge between sections of evaluation
• C. Providing medical advice
• D. Ending the interview early

Answer: (B)

Transitions are the deliberate moves that connect parts of the interview, signaling that you’re shifting to a new topic or entering the next phase of the evaluation. They act as bridges between sections, helping you move smoothly from general history to focused questions or from the review of systems to past medical history, while keeping the encounter organized and the patient comfortable. Good transitions set expectations for what’s coming next, maintain rapport, and ensure you cover all relevant domains without sounding abrupt. Repeating questions to ensure accuracy isn’t a transition, and nor is giving medical advice or ending the interview early.