How to get started, how to use it, and why or what is the «result»?

Let us first clarify the following: this is EXACTLY THE SAME THING

You say to yourself: «I already do a complete data collection, why would I change my way of working.»

The clinical examination must be comprehensive, precise, and carried out rigorously. The information must be recorded in a complete manner and demonstrate your thoroughness.

In the first part of the clinical examination, namely the history of illness or health problems that involve a predominant symptom, the PQRSTUI method allows for the collection of minimal subjective data.

The ease comes quickly with practice.
It is important not to bias the results obtained by suggesting answers to the patient.

Here are examples of questions for each of the letters of the acronym.

P – Provoked: What causes or increases this discomfort? / how did this discomfort begin?

Pallié: What reduces or alleviates this discomfort, or what helps you to carry out your daily activities despite this discomfort?

Q – Can you describe to me what you are feeling. What is the intensity on a scale of 0 to 10 (valid if it is pain, anxiety or dyspnea)?

R – S applies only when it is possible to locate an area – Show me where your pain is located and is it spreading elsewhere?

S – Since this new symptom appeared 3 days ago (for example, shortness of breath), have you had any other new aches or symptoms?

T- Is the discomfort felt continuously or intermittently, is it worse or better at certain times of the day?

U – In your opinion, what is it or what is it connected to?

I – Since the onset of this discomfort, have you had to stop or postpone certain activities, household chores, or leisure activities?

The order in which the questions are asked is not important; what matters is not forgetting any of the questions, because this is the minimum amount of information to be collected.

When to use the PQRSTUI: Generally, when the client presents with a new symptom. As soon as you need to complete a partial or full clinical examination.

Its usefulness: When the patient presents with a new symptom, this method ensures that no information is missed from the minimal data to be collected. Your notes will be organized in a methodical manner, which will facilitate quality clinical monitoring. The subjective data collected guides your clinical examination.

Some useful references

OIIQ, Emergency triage, guidelines 2nd edition 2019

OIIQ, PRN – Understanding to intervene, 2nd edition, 2010

Voyer,Philippe, The nursing profession today and tomorrow