PURPOSE: To assist students in teaming the skill of history taking, they will obtain and record a health history of an elderly individual, using Gordon's Functional Patterns as a format.

1. Select an individual, age 70 years or older, who does not have any condition that would interfere with his/her ability to communicate with you and who agrees to be interviewed.

2. Schedule a time for the interview. You will probably need about 1-½ hours. If you find you need more time, it might be better to schedule a second visit to avoid causing fatigue to your interviewee.

3. Be familiar, in advance, with the questions you will be asking so the interview can be more relaxed and natural.

4. Let the interviewee know you will be recording, in writing, some data as he/she talks, but try to keep your recording to a minimum.

5. Explain the purpose of the interview and recorded data. Tell the interviewee that you will use their initials only, to protect his/her identity.

6. Refer to Potter & Perry for examples of questions which might be asked in obtaining the health history.

7. Refer to Potter & Perry for guidance in recording the data.

8. The completed history form must be neatly handwritten or typed. Use black or blue ink.

9. The due date for this project is February 21st. Late papers will be assessed points for each day they are late.

GRADING: This paper is worth 100 points- 6.5 points for each section (A-N), 9 points for neatness, legibility and overall flow.