Family History Case Study

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INTRODUCTION:
A health history is a collection of information about a patient that can be used to better understand the chief complaint. Learn about information gathering tools, such as the patient interview, history of present illness and the review of systems. A health history is a collection of information from a patient that provides a picture of his or her current state of health. When a patient's health history is elicited properly, it supplies the medical professional with important facts that will assist in making a proper diagnosis and creating a beneficial treatment plan. In this lesson, we will learn about the elements needed to elicit a thorough patient health history.
Patient Interview
A patient interview, or patient consultation, …show more content…

Qualitative in-depth semistructured one-to-one interviews were conducted including 16 family physicians in Belgium. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed. Recurring themes were identified and compared with findings from the existing literature. All interviewed family physicians considered the family history as an important part of the medical records. Half of the surveyed physicians confirmed knowing the family history of at least 50% of their patients. The data on family history were mainly collected during the first consultations with the patient. The majority of physicians did not use a standardised questionnaire or form to collect and to record the family history. To estimate the impact of a family history, physicians seldom use official guidance or resources. Physicians perceived a lack of time and unreliable information provided by their patients as obstacles to collect and interpret the family history. Solutions that foster the use of family history data were identified at the level of the physician and also included the development of specific instruments integrated within the electronic medical

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