PATIENT HISTORY TAKING: SOCIAL HISTORY

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. PHT is performed in every setting where health care is provided prior to the physical assessment. 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 past social history. 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.