family history
Last reviewed 01/2018
Family history in the paediatric clerking should be based on a drawing of a family tree and include details of:
- parents - age, health, height, occupation, whether they smoke
- siblings - age, health
Note that with some families the tree may become very complex; it is important to take time and space to do this properly. It is also worth asking the people present who they are; it may be slightly embarrassing to ask a person if they are the child's parent, but it is more embarrassing to mistake a neighbour or grandparent for a parent.
Other details which should be added include:
- illnesses in the family, including tuberculosis, diabetes, epilepsy, and any condition likely to be related to the presenting complaint.
- details of housing
- schooling
- relationship with peers and siblings
- any pets at home