Building A Health History
- Share additional interview and communication techniques that could be effective with your selected patient.
- Suggest additional health-related risks that might be considered.
- Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
It is essential for health care providers to establish a collaborative relationship with their patient to provide optimal quality care (Ball et al., 2019). The pediatric population requires the partnership to become a triad by including the responsible adult (Ball et al., 2019). Priority should be taken to recognize and greet everyone in the room while also establishing their role dynamics to the patient (Ball et al., 2019). Establishing rapport with the child can be facilitated by adjusting tone of voice, lowering one’s physical level to the floor and examining the child in a less traditional manner to ensure patient comfort can reduce anxiety (Ball et al., 2019). The experience had during the interview process allows for successful patient centered care (Ball et al., 2019).
Social Determinants
Clearly understanding the patient’s social determinants of health creates a more collaborative care plan (Ball et al., 2019). Health care providers must have self-awareness of their own beliefs as to appropriately respond without unintentional negative responses whether through verbal soap box or unconscious body language (Ball et al., 2019).
When dealing with pediatric patients it is essential to provide anticipatory guidance to reduce potential health risks (Hinnant et al., 2021). Screening for caregiver depression should be taken into consideration to prevent behavioral and emotional disturbances in the patient (Fallucco et al., 2020). Research findings demonstrate that during the pre-school development age the patient is most susceptible to a bidirectional impact from maternal depression (Fallucco et al., 2020). The provider should also provide guidance regarding firearm safety (Hinnant et al., 2021). The healthcare provider should screen for household firearms and be culturally competent in the communication messaging of gun safety (Hinnant et al., 2021).
Assessment Tool
Incorporating patient centered questions into the interview regarding expectations of care, understanding of illness, personal preferences and financial concerns leads to an individualized plan of care limiting future barriers (Ball et al., 2019). The FICA assessment tool is beneficial in gaining insight and strategy for managing the patient’s care (Ball et al., 2019). FICA assesses the family’s beliefs, significance, level of community support and impact on their health care decisions (Ball et al., 2019).
Targeted Questions
What concerns brought you in today?When did you first notice these symptoms?
Does your child take any medications?
Does your child have any allergies?Is there any family history of disease?Do you have any other concerns you would like to discuss?