PART B – Interview – ethical and clinical considerations 13 VI. INTERVIEW 1. INTERVIEW SETTINGS Psychological evaluation of torture allegations should be conducted at a location that the physician deems most suitable. The clinicians should ensure that the patient, particularly if the interviewee is a detainee, is not forced into accepting a place with which they are not comfortable and safe. Generally the clinician may not have much control over the setting in which the interview takes place, however, the clinician should make sure to explore all opportunities to establish a settting which is as private, safe and comfortable as possible. Attention should be paid to arranging the room in a way that it is not reminiscent of an official surrounding and the process of interrogation. Sufficient time should be allotted for interview and the timing has to be outlined beforehand. If the evaluation is taking place under time constraints, the gathered information and the outcome of the interview might be limited. If possible: • The room should have appropriate physical conditions (light, ventilation, size, temperature) • There should be access to toilet facilities and refreshment opportunities. It would be good to have water and tissue within the reach of the interviewee • The seating should allow the interviewer and interviewee to be able to establish eye contact and see each others faces clearly • It should not be reminiscent of a hierarchic and official positioning (where the interviewer sits higher or in an armchair, while the interviewee sits on a chair) • Try to allow the interviewee to arrange the distance according to his/her own preference. The proper distance changes according to culture and person. Sitting too close or too far away may cause stress for the interviewee. (See § 93, § 124 and § 163 in the Istanbul Protocol.) 2. THE COURSE OF THE INTERVIEW At the beginning of the interview: • The clinican should introduce himself/ herself with full information on his/her identity (including his/her roles, specialization, affiliations, status) • The clinician should inform the interviewee clearly on: –– His/her responsibilities and boundaries –– The reason and the purpose of the interview –– The context, frame, course of the interview –– Possible procedures during the interview (and the evaluation) –– Any limits of the confidentiality –– Possible consequences of this interview/evaluation • Informed consent should be taken • The interview should be started with open-ended general questions. On the basis of the information elicited, more specific details should be sought, where appropriate • The clinician should be attentive sequencing of questions e.g. the interview should begin with less sensitive issues, sensitive questions should be asked only after some degree of rapport has developed • The interview should be concluded with