Description

On 3rd April 2024, we attended an activity called “ SCOME-finning the art of history taking”. It took place at CMH Hospital Lahore. This activity was organized by the Research society, and was attended by the students of 1st and 2nd year of all the disciplines. First the seniors and house officers explained us the “SOCRATES Model” for history taking.  After that we visited the RTA (road traffic accident) ward and interacted with different patients. We were there to have the basic knowledge of history taking. At the end we were well aware of the techniques involved in this process. The whole activity was carried out smoothly and proved to be informative for our future clinical work.

Feeling

Before this activity, we were feeling nervous because it was our first experience of interacting with the patients. While taking history we faced some difficulties as some of the  patients were not cooperative enough. It was indeed a thrilling experience visiting various wards and meeting patients from different family backgrounds, education level and distinguished behaviors. 

Evaluation 

This was our first exposure in clinical training and we learnt a lot. The instructions given by the seniors were helpful and understandable. They guided us in the best way possible and let us observe them taking history first. Next they keenly monitored us while we took history. Active listening was the most crucial thing to do on our part.

Analysis: 

Things went well because seniors were co operative and they clearly know when they are teaching

To some extent it didn’t go well because we were unable to cover more than one  patient. For this we need to manage allocated time and try to stick to most relevant questions.

Conclusion:

I learnt to be more empathetic and compassionate towards the patients. Most of them were suffering from severe injuries and their behaviors resonated with the pain they were going through. Patient dealing requires understanding the patients and their respective situations thoroughly. 

In order to take history up to the mark and diagnose correctly, one should know the SOCRATES model and ask every detail including family background of  the patient.

Action plan:

This activity provoked the thought of being more patient and compassionate with patients. I should develop resilience and self control for better patient dealing skills. I will work on my communication skills and flexibility for all sort of people and environment.