Journal Article Review Introduction “A guide to taking as patient’s history” is an article which appeared in volume 22, issue 13 of the Nursing Standard journal in December 2007, written by H. Lloyd and S. Craig. This article defines the process of taking a patient’s history, focusing on the way the environment is prepared, the communication skills that should be used, and the significance of the order in which information is taken. The emphasis of this article is preparing for and taking a comprehensive history of
any patient. Summary of Article Taking an accurate patient’s history is extremely important for the nurse or clinician. Without a comprehensive patient history it may be difficult for the nurse and other healthcare staff to properly provide patients with the appropriate care that is needed. The authors explain the importance of this by integrating this evidence in the text, (Crumbie, 2006, as cited in Lloyd & Craig). Taking a patient’s history is arguably the most important aspect of patient assessment, and is increasingly undertaken by nurse. Preparation of the environment is an important step in the history taking process and should be the initial step of taking a patient’s history. It is essential that the environment be in practical terms. “The environment should be accessible, appropriately equipped, free from distractions and safe for the patient and the nurse.” (Crouch & Meurier, 2005, as cited in Lloyd & Craig 2007). According to (Lloyd & Craig)
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