Data Gathering for the Patient Encounter: Using the “Column Method” and “Power Questions”

One of the most difficult sections medical and osteopathic students face during school, when they take a patient history or their boards, is “Data Gathering.” This guide teaches the student an easy way to form a differential as well as ask the pertinent positives and negatives necessary to pass a clinical skills assessment examination. Easy to learn “Columns” and “Power Questions” allow for a quick grasp of the material and review study before an exam. The “Column” and “Power Question” method has helped hundreds of students with their patient encounters as well as pass their clinical exams such as the USMLE Step 2 CS and COMLEX 2 PE. It will help you too!