Before you start
- Choose a quiet room and close doors and windows
- Turn off fans, air conditioning, and unnecessary equipment
- Place your laptop or dictaphone 30–50 cm from where you are speaking
- Do a short test recording to check audio quality
During the interview
- Speak clearly at a steady, natural pace
- Avoid talking over the patient
- Pause briefly between questions or topics
- Keep the recording device still and avoid tapping or paper noise
If something is important
- Repeat key diagnoses, dates, or conclusions
- Spell out uncommon names or medications if needed
- Summarise key points near the end of the interview
If uploading a file
- Use MP3 or WAV where possible
- Avoid low-quality or highly compressed recordings
- Upload the full interview in one file if you can