These types of questions typically involve:

• A 'Yes/No' response (e.g. 'Do you have any medicines from your doctor?')
• A discrete piece of information (e.g. 'When did the cough start?')
• Or a choice from alternatives (e.g. 'Would you like a small bottle or a large one?').

All these questions have one answer. They are useful for obtaining precise factual information and they can ensure the effective use of time, help focus on the matter in hand and even stem the flow of an unduly talkative patient! But closed questions also have disadvantages.

They can inhibit the patient, reduce their involvement and prevent the very interaction that we should seek to encourage. If overused, closed questions can also be rather irritating to more articulate patients.