PATIENT HISTORY TAKING: IDENTIFYING REASON FOR VISIT

Course overview

Patient history taking (PHT) is the systematic and structured questioning by a health care provider of a patient, a patient’s family member, or close associate (e.g., intimate partner) in order to gain information to assist in determining a medical diagnosis, developing a nursing care plan, and providing appropriate treatment to the patient. The reason for the patient’s visit is their primary concern or problem (also referred to as chief complaint) that prompted them to seek medical attention. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of relevant research on the general principles of patient history taking, including evidence-based information on gathering a reason for the visit from patients. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.