OET Specialist Study Material

FAET™ FORMULA

The Ultimate Information Gathering Question Bank

"The goal isn't to ask more questions. The goal is to ask the right questions at the right time."
F - FIND/CONFIRM THE REASON

Find the Reason for the Appointment

(When the role card asks you to find out the reason for the visit.)
  • How can I help you today?
  • What brings you in today?
  • What would you like to discuss today?
  • What seems to be the problem?
  • What concerns you today?
  • Tell me what has been happening.
  • What prompted you to come in today?
  • Could you tell me why you've come in today?
  • What would you like us to focus on today?
  • How may I assist you today?

Confirm the Reason for the Appointment

(When the role card already states the reason for the visit.)
  • What is your understanding of today's appointment?
  • Could you tell me what you understand about today's appointment?
  • I understand you're here today to discuss (condition/reason). Is that right?
  • I can see you've come in today regarding (reason). Is that correct?
  • My understanding is that today's appointment is about (reason). Is that correct?
  • You're here today for your (condition/procedure/review). Is that right?
  • Before we begin, is there anything specific you'd like us to focus on today?
A - ASK MORE (BUILD THE WHOLE PICTURE)

Presenting Complaint

  • Could you tell me more about that?
  • Could you describe it for me?
  • When did it begin?
  • How long have you had it?
  • Did it start suddenly or gradually?
  • Has it been getting better, worse, or stayed the same?
  • Is it constant or does it come and go?
  • How often does it happen?
  • Does anything make it better?
  • Does anything make it worse?
  • Have you experienced this before?

Pain Assessment

  • Where exactly is the pain?
  • Can you point to where it hurts?
  • Does the pain spread anywhere else?
  • How would you describe the pain?
  • Is it sharp, dull, burning, throbbing, stabbing, or aching?
  • On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your pain?
  • Is the pain constant or intermittent?
  • Does anything trigger the pain?
  • What relieves the pain?

Associated Symptoms

  • Have you noticed any other symptoms?
  • Have you had a fever?
  • Any nausea or vomiting?
  • Any dizziness?
  • Any shortness of breath?
  • Any changes in your appetite?
  • Any recent weight loss or weight gain?
  • Has your sleep been affected?

Medical History

  • Do you have any medical conditions?
  • Have you had this problem before?
  • Have you ever been admitted to hospital?
  • Have you had any surgery?
  • Are you currently under the care of another healthcare professional?

Medication & Allergies

  • Are you taking any medications at the moment?
  • Have you taken anything for this problem?
  • Has it helped?
  • Do you have any allergies?
  • Have there been any recent changes to your medications?

Lifestyle

  • What do you do for work?
  • Who do you live with?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you consume alcohol?
  • Do you exercise regularly?
  • What type of diet do you follow?
  • How is your sleep?
  • How would you rate your stress on a scale of 0 to 10?

Functional Impact

  • How has this affected your daily life?
  • Has it affected your work?
  • Has it affected your family life?
  • Are you able to carry out your normal activities?
  • Has it affected your sleep?
  • Has it affected your mood?
E - EXPLORE (DIVE DEEPER)

Ideas

  • What do you think is happening?
  • What do you think might have caused this?
  • Have you had any thoughts about what could be causing it?

Concerns

  • What worries you the most?
  • Is there anything you're particularly concerned about?
  • Is there anything you're afraid this could be?

Expectations

  • What were you hoping I could do for you today?
  • What outcome are you expecting?
  • Is there anything specific you were hoping we could help you with today?

Feelings

  • How are you feeling about all of this?
  • That sounds difficult.
  • Could you tell me more about how this has affected you emotionally?

Closing Exploration

  • Is there anything else you'd like to mention?
  • Have we missed anything important today?
  • Do you have any other concerns?
  • Do you have any questions before we move on?

Questions for Carers

  • What changes have you noticed?
  • When did you first notice these changes?
  • How has the patient been managing?
  • How has this affected their daily activities?
  • Have you noticed any safety concerns?
  • How are you coping as a carer?
  • Do you have enough support at home?
  • Is there anything else you'd like me to know?

Golden Transition Statements

  • Thank you for sharing that.
  • So, if I understand correctly...
  • To get a clearer picture...
  • I'd like to ask you a few more questions.
  • Let's talk a little about...
  • I'd also like to ask about...
  • Now I'd like to understand a little more about...

Kirti Institute Tip

Think of the FAET Formula as a funnel:

  • F - Find or Confirm the reason for the appointment.
  • A - Ask broad, open-ended questions first, then move to focused and closed questions to build a complete picture.
  • E - Explore the patient's ideas, concerns, expectations, and feelings to truly understand their perspective.

Remember: The best OET candidates don't ask every question - they ask the right question at the right time, while actively listening to the patient's responses.