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Medical History Determine allergies, presence and dates of childhood and adult illnesses,
chronic health problems, immunization history, and past hospitalizations
Family History Determine age and health, or age and cause of death, of parents, sibling, and
grandparents, noting the presence of specific illnesses in family (e.g. hypertension, addiction,
type II diabetes).
Personal and Social History Evaluate education level, family and household dynamics,
spiritual practices, personal interests, sleep habits, and lifestyle (e.g. tobacco, alcohol and illicit
drug use, sexual history, exercise, and nutrition
Review of Systems Assess the presence or absence of common symptoms related to each
major body system.
To Shape patient interviews Move from open questions to closed questions (shaped like a
cone)
Open questions "cast a wide net" - allow patients to communicate more generally, and
allow them to emphasize their own concerns and priorities
Open question examples: How did you injure your elbow?
What are your stomachaches like?
What prevented you from refilling your prescription?
How have you been managing your blood pressure
Key Open Question Words "Describe", "Tell me about", "How", "Why"
Open Question tips - Ask the patient to elaborate or describe