Communication

Question 1

What is PMH?

Answer 1

Past medical history

Gather info about a patients other medical problems (if any).

Question 2

What is presenting complaint?

Answer 2

What the patient tells you is wrong e.g. toothache

Question 3

What is HPC?

Answer 3

Gaining as much info about the specific complaint

SOCRATES

Question 4

What is drug history?

Answer 4

What medications the patient is taking (dosage, how often etc.)
Allergies

Question 5

What is family history?

Answer 5

Some info about the patients family medical history e.g. diabetes, cardiac disease. Especially important in genetic conditions as patient has an increased risk.

Question 6

What is social history?

Answer 6

The patients background.
Smoking, drug use and alcohol intake.
Where the patient lives, who lives with them etc.
Employment status, hobbies, social life etc.

Question 7

What is review of symptoms?

Answer 7

Gather a short amount of information regarding the other body systems not covered in your HPC:
CVS, respiratory, GI, neurology, GU/renal, musculoskeletal, psychiatry

Question 8

What is the summary of history?

Answer 8

Reviewing what the patient has told you.
Repeat back important points.
Patient may correct any misunderstandings or errors.
ICE - ideas, concerns, and expectations

Question 9

What are the sections of a full medical history?

Answer 9

Presenting complaint (PC)
History of presenting complaint (HPC)
Past medical history (PMH)
Drug history (DH)
Past dental history (PDH)
Family history (FH)
Social History (SH)
Review of symptoms (ROS)
Summary
Patient questions

Question 10

What is SOCRATES?

Answer 10

Sign & spread
Onset & duration
Characteristics
Relieving factors
Associated features
Timing
Effects
Severity

Question 11

What is AMPLE?

Answer 11

Allergies
Medications
Past medical history
Last meal or other intake
Events leading to presentation