From when the problem started up to the present

• Begin with open questioning: ‘Tell me about your stomach pains’
• Encourage your patient to tell their story from the start of symptoms: ‘Tell me all about it from the beginning’
• Having the patient detail their narrative in chronological order allows an organisational framework that contributes to clinical reasoning
• If necessary, it is okay to guide your patient through their story telling, possibly seeking brief clarification. Always return to the patient narrative: ‘Then what happened?’

Clarify your patient’s reason for presenting now

Exercise: What possible benefits and drawbacks might arise from allowing the patient to complete their opening narrative uninterrupted?

Silverman, J., Kurtz, S., & Draper, J. (2013). Skills for Communicating with Patients (Thrid Edit). London: Radcliffe Publishing.