Holistic assessment in action

Part 1: Background information

Nurse: Hello Bill, I am Nurse Hatton. I am here because you did not come for your appointment at the surgery.

Bill: I am sorry I just couldn”t make it

Part 2: Physical (focus on Bill’s person)

Nurse: Why were you not able to make your appointment?

Bill: I just haven”t been feeling too great.

Nurse: Tell me a bit more about that.

Bill: I can”t get a breath and I feel really tired.

Part 3: Social and occupational

Nurse: How have you been coping with caring for yourself?

Bill: I have had trouble sleeping and getting to the toilet.

Nurse: How long has this been difficult for you?

Bill: I was fine for the first week and then started to feel more tired.

Part 4: Emotional

Nurse: How is your tiredness affecting you?

Bill: I just can”t be bothered with anything.

Nurse: Have you felt like this before?

Bill: Not as bad as this, I have just had enough.

Part 5: Spiritual

Nurse: Who normally helps you when things are not so good?

Bill: No one