Talking With Your Older Patient: A Clinician's Handbook by National Institute of Aging - HTML preview

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Elicit Current Concerns

Older patients tend to have multiple chronic conditions. They may have vague complaints or atypical presentations. Thinking in terms of current concerns rather than a chief complaint may be helpful. You might start the session by asking your patient to talk about his or her major concern,

“Tell me, what is bothering you the most?”