Developers: Katelyn Grayson-Sneed, Robert C. Smith

Year of publication: 2017

Date of last revision: 7 December 2022

Setting in which the tool was originally developed/validated: Mental health, Modern simulation center with medical residents

Restriction to setting(s): None

Target group: All new learners for basic instruction in treating mental health patients

Language(s): English

Translations(s): English

Tool topics:

Cues and concerns / emotions
Health promotion / Health behaviour change
Information giving / providing information / explanation and planning
Patient-centered communication

Specific constructs/behaviours:

It codes behaviorally defined skills needed for conducting basic mental health care. 1) Educating and Informing (4 items); 2) Motivating (2 items); 3) Treatment Statements (5 items); 4) Commitment and Goals (2 items); 5) Negotiates Plan (8 items); 6) Non-Emotion Patient-Centered Skills (4 items); and 7) Patient-Centered Emotional Skills (8 items)

Types of data required to use the tool: Video recordings, Audio recordings, Transcripts

Intended application: Education, Research

Reference(s) to development/validation paper(s):

GRAYSON-SNEED K, SMITH RC, et al.: A Research Coding Method for Behavioral Healthcare Treatment, Patient Education and Counselling, 2017:101:743-749.

Tool/manual available: Yes. (https://bit.ly/robertcsmithmd -- go to For Professionals and click on Interviewing; then see V. Research Coding Methods and VII. Tools)

Tool description by the author:

This evaluative tool can be used in education as well as research when you want to evaluate a learners’ success in using basic mental health skills with a patient. This tool has a strong evidence base.

Access: Public

Contact: Robert C. Smith