History taking in TB patients at Likuni mission hospital in Malawi

Abstract

In the file audit for patients diagnosed and treated at Likuni Mission Hospital from January to July 1997 the results show unsystematic recording of patient history. Out of 88 case notes reviewed none contained patients' events before diagnosis was made. 34% had no duration of symptoms recorded and 19% had no presenting symptoms recorded at all. Not all the patients had their ages or sexes specified. This calls for more attention and training for better TB control.