Health History Summary

There are two main components to concluding the complete subjective health assessment. First, you want to provide a brief summary to the client of their subjective health. This summary may include main health issues that require intervention as well as the client’s health strengths and coping strategies. Second (after the summary), you should ask the client whether there is anything else that is important for them to share. You may phrase the question as, “Is there anything else that you think I should know about your current and/or past health and illnesses in order to care for you?”

An additional component is to determine if there are any areas of health teaching that may be needed related to the data that you collected as part of the health history. For example, is health teaching needed related to health promotion? (e.g., exercise, stress management, immunizations). Are these areas of health teaching related to the client’s own priorities related to health and wellness? Is the client ready to learn? What strategies would best support client’s learning? (e.g., written or oral information).

1. How do you conclude a complete subjective health assessment?
2. Practise conducting a complete subjective health assessment on a peer, a friend, or a family member. Afterwards, ask them what made them feel comfortable and uncomfortable during the assessment, or ask, “As your healthcare provider, how could I have made the experience better for you?” You should also ask yourself three questions: “What did I do well?” “What did I struggle with?” and “How can I improve?”