A few weeks ago while partnering with Protenus on a webinar titled Starting a Diversion Program from the Ground Up, there were a few questions during the Q&A session surrounding interviewing healthcare workers (HCWs) suspected of diversion. I think we all would agree that getting to the truth in an interview is not always straightforward and requires a special skill – a skill that can only be developed through experience and training.
I have had the opportunity to attend a few interviews. I always offer my time because if there is no one present in the interview that thoroughly understands the logic behind the removal, wasting, and returns of medications there are often missed opportunities when implausible excuses are given for actions. Also, since I have performed the audit in most cases, I believe I am in a great position to see the logic or faulty logic of their explanations for their actions. However, many times interviews are conducted by HR and the HCW’s manager only. I am told it is preferred that the interview is limited to just a couple people so the HCW does not feel ganged up on. After all, what if we are wrong and they are not diverting. Perhaps this is the correct approach, to have minimal people present. I’ll find out this week!
This week I am attending a 4 day training seminar on the Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing and Advanced Interrogation. I want to thank the webinar participant who reminded me, and the other listeners, of this company. I had been given their name in the past, but had forgotten about them and the reminder prompted me to look into it. I look forward to learning how to be more effective in interviews! Stayed tuned as I suspect there may be another webinar coming on the topic.
