Question

Which personal and social history factors should be explored in a patient in pain? Why are these important?

Answer 1

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) offers one of the most widely accepted definition for pain: "Pain is an unpleasant sensory or emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage."pain has physical and psychological components. The Personal and Social History captures the patient's personality, interests, sources of support, coping style, strengths, and fears. It should include occupation and the last year of schooling; home situation and significant others; sources of stress, both recent and long-term; important life experiences, such as military service, job history, financial situation, and retirement; leisure activities; religious affiliationand spiritual beliefs; and activities of daily living (ADLs). It also conveys lifestyle habits that promote health or create risk such as exercise and diet, including frequency of exercise; usual daily food intake; dietary supplements or restrictions; and safety measures and other devices related to specific hazards. Obtaining these histories will help us to figure out the modality of the treatment. It also helps to improve patient satisfaction. It helps to provide the maximum level of comfort and care.