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.