Problem Focused History Flashcards, test questions and answers
Discover flashcards, test exam answers, and assignments to help you learn more about Problem Focused History and other subjects. Don’t miss the chance to use them for more effective college education. Use our database of questions and answers on Problem Focused History and get quick solutions for your test.
What is Problem Focused History?
A problem focused history is a form of medical history that focuses on the patient’s current symptoms and medical issues rather than their past medical records. This type of history typically allows doctors to better diagnose and treat their patients as they are able to more accurately assess the cause of the patient’s symptoms. The information gathered during a problem focused history includes a description of the patient’s presenting complaint, any prior medical treatments or diagnoses, current medications and allergies, family health history, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise habits, recent laboratory results, and imaging studies if applicable. The primary benefit of using this type of history is that it allows physicians to quickly identify possible causes for a patient’s symptoms while also providing them with an understanding of how those symptoms may have developed over time. This can help them better evaluate tests results in order to make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans. Problem focused histories also allow doctors to catch any potential problems before they become serious issues; for example, if a patient has been experiencing chest pains but has not mentioned any previous heart conditions or family members with similar issues on their initial visit then these factors can be addressed during the problem focused history in order to look out for potential warning signs. Overall, problem focused histories provide valuable insight into a patient’s current condition which can help physicians make informed decisions about their care and allow them to better manage their patients’ overall health.