title: A guide to taking a patient's history.
abstract: This article outlines the process of taking a history from a patient, including preparing the environment, communication skills and the importance of order. The rationale for taking a comprehensive history is also explained.
authors.affiliation: City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland. hilary.lloyd@chs.northy.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Hilary
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Craig
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D008487:Medical History Taking; D011361:Professional Competence; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations