Gathering Information

Patient with pain (SOCRATES) *Also applicable to patient with fever

S Site
O Onset
C Character
R Radiation
A Associated Symptoms (positive/negative)
T Time
E Exacerbating & Relieving Factors
S Severity

* After initiating interview, can say : So Mr. Lee, how can I help you?/what brings you
to the clinic or hospital?
Site: Where do you feel the pain?
Onset: When did the pain start? What do you think caused the pain? Can you tell
me more about how the pain started?
Character: Can you describe the pain to me/tell me more about the pain? (Sharp,
wrenching, comes in pulses etc..)
Radiation: Does the pain spread anywhere? (Pattern of pain)
Associated symptoms: Besides the pain you feel, do you feel uncomfortable
anywhere else? Find out more!!
Time: During which time of the day is the pain worst? During which time of the day
is the pain most bearable?
Exacerbating & Relieving Factors: Can you tell me what causes the pain to
become worst? Have you tried anything to relieve the pain? Can you tell me what
relieves the pain? Have you taken any medication to help you with the pain? What
kinds of medication? How much and how often? Is it working?
Severity: On the scale of 1-10, 1 being the least painful and 10 being the most
painful, can you tell me how you rate this pain that youre feeling? How bad is the
pain?
ADDRESSING PATIENTS CONCERNS/WORRIES

Before addressing concerns/worries, do signposting.

Example: Alright Mr. Lee, now I would like to go through some questions regarding
your daily life and your family. Is that OK with you?

Is the pain that youre experiencing now affecting your daily life in any ways?
What about your work? Is it affecting your work performance? Have you been
taking any time off work? How does your boss/colleagues feel about that?
What about your family? Is there anyone helping you with the house chores?
(If fever/flu: Is there anyone else in your family who is having a fever/flu as
well). Did you come here on your own or is a family member accompanying
you?
I understand that this may be a private matter, but is your health condition
causing any financial problems for you?
With this pain/fever/flu, is there anything that worries you? Can you tell me
more regarding your concerns about your health condition?
Is there anything else you would like to share with me or ask me?

*Extra points to take note:

a) Recap/Summary

Just to recap on what youve told me so that we dont miss out anything.

b) Occasional repetitions

Repeat what patient says to clarify (but not too frequent)

After summary:
Thank you Mr. Lee for your time. I will present this information that youve shared
with me to the consultant. The consultant will attend to you as soon as possible and
he will then decide on the best treatment option for you as well.