The part of the patient assessment process that focuses on obtaining additional information about the patient's chief complaint and any medical problems he or she may have is called the history taking or history gathering. This is an important step in the patient assessment process as it allows the healthcare provider to gather important information about the patient's current condition, medical history, and other relevant factors that may impact their health.
During the history taking process, the healthcare provider may ask the patient a series of questions to gather information about their chief complaint and any other medical problems they may have. These questions may cover a wide range of topics, including the patient's symptoms, when they started, how long they have lasted, and any other relevant details. The healthcare provider may also ask about the patient's medical history, including any previous medical conditions, surgeries, or treatments they have received.
Gathering this information helps the healthcare provider to better understand the patient's condition and to identify any potential contributing factors or underlying health issues that may need to be addressed. It also helps to guide the healthcare provider in developing a treatment plan or course of action that is tailored to the patient's specific needs and circumstances.