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, gender 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.
Film Clip 2.1: Nurse assessing demographic and biographic data (Keep in mind that is best to just ask “What gender pronouns do you use?” as opposed to using the language “preferred pronouns.” This video was created prior to the shift in language).
| Data | Questions and Statements |
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Note: You may need to prompt for information on medications, foods, etc. |
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Note: You may need to inquire and document if the client requires an interpreter. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Table 2.1: Introductory information: Collecting demographic and biographic data
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: (?) 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:
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