What element of patient history does the ROS focus on?

The Review of Systems (ROS) is a critical component of the patient history that specifically focuses on documenting the patient's symptoms across various body systems. This systematic approach allows healthcare providers to identify any significant issues that may not have been addressed during the patient interview.

The ROS is designed to gather information on multiple organ systems, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological, among others. By doing so, it helps ensure a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health status, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Typically, during the ROS, patients are asked targeted questions that prompt them to disclose any symptoms they may be experiencing, which may not have come up through the chief complaint discussion.

This focus on symptoms across different systems is key to identifying potential complications or underlying conditions, making it essential for thorough medical assessments and audits. Other elements of patient history, like structural abnormalities or surgical history, while important, are not the primary focus of the ROS, distinguishing its unique role in patient evaluations.