What distinguishes a structured interview from other interview types in clinical settings?

A structured interview is characterized by its use of a standardized format, ensuring that all participants are asked the same set of questions in a specific order. This consistency allows clinicians to gather comparable data across different individuals, which enhances the reliability and validity of the information collected. The standardization reduces the risk of interviewer bias and helps facilitate a clearer interpretation of the results, which is critical in clinical assessments where accurate diagnosis and treatment planning depend on consistent data.

In contrast, informal interviews lack the structured approach, which can lead to varying questions and topics that may not be relevant or comparable across different individuals. Follow-up questions are more characteristic of semi-structured or unstructured interviews, where the clinician has the flexibility to adapt the conversation based on the responses given, rather than adhering to a preset questionnaire. Open-ended questions are a feature often used in qualitative research and unstructured interviews, allowing for more detailed responses but lacking the systematic approach seen in structured interviews.