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History taking(general principles)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The general format of a history of from a patient should take the form:-

  • c/o - the reason why the patient is seeking help from a medical practitioner
  • hpc - a chronological record of the complaint
  • functional enquiry - systematic record of the functioning of organ systems not covered in the history of presenting complaint
  • past medical history
  • drug history - current medication; also known allergies
  • family history - information related to hereditary illnesses
  • social history - important information relating to the social situation of the patient.

This part of the database is adapted from:- R. Turner, R. Blackwood, R. Jones; Guide to History and Examination for Clinical Students; Oxford University Medical School publication.


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