Skills of a Medical Student for proper History Taking:

• Ability to open and close a consultation with the Patient
• Showing respect and courtesy to the Patient
• Showing empathy to the Patient
• Active listening to the Patient
• Use of non-verbal language with the Patient
• Use of open and closed questions with the Patient
• Being sensitive culturally.

Setting the Stage for History Taking:

• The layout of the consulting room should-

* Allow for good eye contact,

* Enable easy access to computers or notes,

* Avoid ‘distance’ between the doctor and patient.

• Welcome the patient with smiling face (In case of Out-Patient setting)
• Take care with the opening greeting as it helps to be warm and welcoming so as to so as to put the patient at ease.
• Introduce and identify yourself properly
• Know and use the patient’s name and consider how he/she would like to be addressed (forename or surname)
• Ensure comfort and privacy.

Characteristics of good communication:

•  Have a good eye contact with the Patient
• Let the Patient tell you his/her story freely without any interruption
• Show an active interest in the patient that will help to establish trust and encourage honest and open communication
• Use all of your senses to ‘listen’ for better history taking
• Ensure that you will treat all information as confidential
• During asking questions, keep them as open as possible, like-

*What has happened to bring you to me/hospital today?* or

*What seems to be the problem now?*

• Always keep an open mind and ask yourself if you’re making assumptions.
• Get prepared to reconsider the causes of symptoms that you have decided upon.
• Consider how the patient may end the consultation: *If you wish to stop this interview at any time then please let me know.*