2.1: Introductory Information- Demographic and Biographic Data
“Introductory information” refers to the demographic and biographic data that you collect from the client. This data provides you with basic characteristics about the client, such as their name, contact information, birthdate and age, gender and preferred pronouns, allergies, languages spoken and preferred language, relationship status, occupation, and resuscitation status.
Although this data is brief and succinct, the intent of collecting it is not to be reductionist or to label clients. Rather, it is meant as a brief overview of the client and to provide the information you need to reach next of kin in an emergency, to be attentive to allergies at a glance, and to tend to the client in a caring manner. See Film Clip 2.1 of a nurse conducting an assessment of a client’s demographic and biographic data. See Table 2.1 for suggested questions and statements you can use to collect this data in an inclusive and caring manner, as well as an example of a demographic and biographic form below.
| Data | Questions and Statements |
|---|---|
|
Name/contact information and emergency information |
|
| Birthdate and age |
|
| Gender |
|
| Allergies |
Note: You may need to prompt for information on medications, foods, etc. |
| Languages spoken and preferred language |
Note : You may need to inquire and document if the client requires an interpreter. |
| Relationship status |
Tell me about your relationship status. Note : Avoid questions such as “Are you married?” or “Do you have boyfriend?” or “Do you have a wife?” as they assume normative behaviour and heterosexuality. |
| Occupation/school status |
Note : Reassure the client that this information provides insight into the nature of their work (e.g., the physical or mental impact) and environmental exposures, and that the question is not intended to evaluate the client. |
| Resuscitation status |
Note : Depending on the client’s answer, you will need to collaborate with the broader healthcare team, explore the details of the client’s wishes further, and have them complete a requisite resuscitation form. |
Demographic Information Form (Example)
Clicking the hyperlinked question mark (?) next to the example form fields will take you to some suggested questions to ask your patient.
Interview Date: _______________________
Client Name: _______________________ (?)
Date of Birth: _______________________ (?)
Age: _____ Sex: Male / Female / Another Option _____________
Gender You Self Identify With: ______________ (?) Preferred Pronouns: ________________
Healthcard Number: _______________________
Primary Language: _______________________ (?)
Relationship Status: _______________________ (?)
Phone Number: _______________________
Address: ______________________________________________
Allergies: _______________________ (?)
Occupation/Education: _______________________ (?)
Resuscitation Status: ______________________________________________(?)
Emergency Contact: Relationship to Patient:
Phone Number:
Information from: Patient / Other
Patient Accompanied: Yes / No Accompanied’s Details:
Test Yourself
Query \(\PageIndex{1}\)