Family history

Family history in the paediatric clerking should be based on a drawing of a family tree and include details of:

• parents - age, health, height, occupation, whether they smoke
• siblings - age, health

Note that with some families the tree may become very complex; it is important to take time and space to do this properly. It is also worth asking the people present who they are; it may be slightly embarrassing to ask a person if they are the child's parent, but it is more embarrassing to mistake a neighbour or grandparent for a parent.

Other details which should be added include:

• illnesses in the family, including tuberculosis, diabetes, epilepsy, and any condition likely to be related to the presenting complaint.
• details of housing
• schooling
• relationship with peers and siblings
• any pets at home