How do you find your way around it, when to use it and why, or what does it do?

First, let's be clear: it's EXACTLY THE SAME THING.

You say to yourself, "I'm already doing comprehensive data collection, why should I change the way I operate."

The clinical examination must be complete, precise and thorough. Information must be recorded in a complete and thorough manner.

In the first part of the clinical examination, i.e. the anamnesis or health history relating to a dominant complaint, the PQRSTUI is used to obtain the minimum subjective data.

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

Here are some sample questions for each letter of the acronym.

P - Provoked: What causes or increases this discomfort / how did it start?

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

Q - Can you describe how you feel? What is the intensity on a scale of 0 to 10 (valid if pain, anxiety or dyspnea)?

A - Applies only when it is possible to locate an area - Show me where your pain is located and does it extend elsewhere.

S - Since this new symptom appeared 3 days ago (e.g. shortness of breath), have you had any other new discomforts or symptoms?

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

U - In your opinion, what is it or what is it related to?

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

The order in which you ask the questions isn't important. What's important is that you don't forget any questions, as this is the minimum amount of information you need to gather.

When to use PQRSTUI : generally, when the customer presents a new symptom. Whenever you need to complete a full or partial clinical examination.

What it does: When the patient presents a new symptom, this method ensures that nothing is forgotten about the minimum data to be collected. Your notes will be methodically structured, facilitating quality clinical follow-up. The subjective data collected guide your clinical examination.

Some useful references

OIIQ, Emergency Triage Guidelines 2nd Edition 2019

OIIQ, PRN - Comprendre pour intervenir, 2nd edition, 2010

Voyer,Philippe, The nursing profession today and tomorrow