Table 3.

Rules of Thumb to Break the Ice of ED Taboo and Dilemma (21).

Rules of thumb to break the ice of ED taboo and dilemma

Understand the patient’s ongoing psychological issues Make sure to establish good patient rapport Be flexible and cognizant of the deeply seated values and beliefs of each patient including cultural and religious beliefs Carry out the initial meeting in a quiet environment without any interruptions or a sense of haste Avoid carrying out a moral role Realize that similar values and experiences between the patient and the physician are not essential for a successful interview Listen carefully to the patient in a nonjudgmental manner Try to be at ease with the vocabulary used Describe sexual terminology and wording in layman’s jargon without sounding condescending or degrading Consider interviewing the partner with the patient’s consent