Definition: Clinical history, is a subset of the patient's medical history. It specifically focuses on the details of the patient's current or recent health condition, including the symptoms, duration, severity, and factors that may be relevant to the current complaint.
Content: Clinical history includes information related to the patient's chief complaint (the main reason for the current medical visit), the onset of symptoms, any precipitating or aggravating factors, associated symptoms, and any attempts at self-treatment or prior medical consultations for the same issue.
Purpose: Clinical history is primarily used by healthcare providers during a patient's current medical evaluation or visit. It helps clinicians narrow down potential diagnoses, order appropriate tests or examinations, and formulate treatment plans specific to the patient's current health concern.
In summary, medical history encompasses a broader range of a patient's health information, including past and present health conditions and general health status. Clinical history, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the details of the patient's current or recent health concern, intending to address the immediate medical issue during the clinical encounter. Both types of history are critical for providing comprehensive and effective healthcare.