A standard medical history form

This communication reviews the need for better history‐taking and work‐up of the hospital patient. Though technologic advances have been implemented for most hospital procedures, the more concise recording of historic information has been neglected. A structured medical history form, involving both past history and a review of systems to be completed by the patient and reviewed by the physician, should enhance the quality of medical records and, as a consequence, the quality of medical care and clinical research. The type of form, and the way it is used in one hospital is discussed.