Biomed - Clinical Care 2.1
What are examples of a non-physician practitioner?
Include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants.
Previous History
Includes information about any past health issues, procedures, medication, vaccinations, and previous hospital stays.
Family History
Includes information about the patient's close relatives.
Nurse
Licensed health-care professional who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health.
Histotechnician
Medical technician who analyzes tissues
Phlebotomist
Medical technician who draws blood
What can be part of a patient's current history?
Nutrition, allergies, medication, and health habits (exercise).
Demeanor
Outward behavior or bearing.
Social History
Addresses aspects of the patient's life, such as living situation, occupation, school, travel, and other activities that could have a direct or indirect impact on health.
Genetic Counselors
Advise families on their risk for inheriting or passing on certain diseases
What is the purpose of identifying symptoms?
Allows the health care provider to narrow down the possible conditions that may be affecting the patient and then run tests to make a diagnosis.
When are PCPs contacted?
PCPs are often the first contact for a person with a basic health concern
Symptoms
Any subjective evidence of disease a patient perceives, such as aches, nausea, or fatigue.
Tact
Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with others.
Who was shadowing us?
Eliot Vishner (not sure if this is necessary)
You've got this!
Good luck! :O Let me know if I forgot anything!
Non-Physician Practitioner (NPP)
Heath-care provider who practices either in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician.
Current History
Patient's chief complaint and any other current health issues, symptoms, and any treatments or tests the patient has recently had or is scheduled to have related to these conditions.
Physical Signs
Pieces of evidence that indicate an illness that can observed externally, such as a rash, coughing, or elevated temperature.
What do PCPs provide?
Primary Care Physicians provide routine checkups and physicals, and they provide ongoing care to those with chronic or persistent and long-lasting illnesses.
Examples of specialist physicians
Psychiatrists and cardiologists
Empathy
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
Chief Complaint
The patient's description of what they feel is their main health problem.
Diagnosis
The process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs.
Medical Assistant
Unlicensed caregiver who works primarily in doctors' offices and clinics. They assist their medical director through a wide variety of duties.
Medical Technician
Uses sophisticated equipment and has different responsibilities. Some work directly with patients (a phlebotomist draws blood) while others work in a lab (a histotechnician analyzes tissues).
Patient Liason
Works with patients and their families to address needs and concerns. Acts as an intermediary between patients, their families and the hospital administration.
Body Language
nonverbal communication through gestures, facial expressions, behaviors, and posture
Medical student
a student enrolled at a medical school, who is training to become a physician.
Tact Example
A doctor might exhibit tact when they choose their words carefully so as to not upset a patient when they must deliver bad news.
Demeanor Example
A doctor might have a cheerful, peaceful, or friendly demeanor and put the patient at ease. A doctor with an arrogant or dismissive demeanor might lose a patient's trust.
Example of Family History
A patient may have inherited a health condition that could place them at a higher risk of having many disorders--such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, or diabetes.
Medical History
A record of information about a patient's past and current health. Includes information about the patient's habits, lifestyle, and even the health of their family.
Pediatrician
A specialist physician who provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
A specialist trained to work in the front line of a healthcare system and provide care for any health problems that a patient might have.