History of the present illness

History of the Present Illness (HPI) is a component of medical history taking in the healthcare sector. It involves a detailed interview prompted by the chief complaint or presenting symptom in a medical setting.

Overview

The HPI is usually a chronological description of the progression of the patient's present illness from the first sign or symptom to the present. It includes the following details: location of the problem, quality, severity, duration, timing, context, modifying factors, and associated signs and symptoms.

Importance

The HPI is crucial in the diagnosis process as it helps to identify the disease or condition that a patient is suffering from. It provides a background upon which a physician can begin to develop a differential diagnosis.

Methodology

The HPI is typically conducted through a series of questions posed by the healthcare provider. These questions are often open-ended to allow the patient to express their experience of the illness in their own words. The healthcare provider may also ask more specific questions to gather more detailed information about the patient's symptoms and their progression.

History

The concept of the HPI has been a part of medical practice for centuries, dating back to the time of Hippocrates. However, it was not until the 20th century that it became a standardized part of the medical history taking process. This standardization was largely due to the work of Dr. Lawrence Weed, who introduced the Problem Oriented Medical Record (POMR) in the 1960s. The POMR included the HPI as one of its key components.

See also

• Chief complaint
• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Review of systems