In response to a request by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), the Institute of Medicine proposed a study to examine definitions of serious or complex medical conditions and related issues. A seven-member committee was appointed to address these issues. Throughout the course of this study, the committee has been aware of the fact that the topic addressed by this report concerns one of the most critical issues confronting HCFA, health care plans and providers, and patients today. The Medicare+Choice regulations focus on the most vulnerable populations in need of medical care and other services-those with serious or complex medical conditions. Caring for these highly vulnerable populations poses a number of challenges. The committee believes, however, that the current state of clinical and research literature does not adequately address all of the challenges and issues relevant to the identification and care of these patients.

Bringing together treatment and referral advice from existing guidelines, this text aims to improve access to services and recognition of common mental health disorders in adults and provide advice on the principles that need to be adopted to develop appropriate referral and local care pathways.

Introduction to General Medical Conditions explains the most common non-orthopedic maladies seen in the active population. The text is designed to be a reference tool for students and professionals who work with athletes or a physically active population. Each chapter covers a specific body part or system. Also discussed are preventative measures to avoid developing these conditions. Coaches, students in allied health professions, physical education teachers, parents, and athletes will benefit from reading this text. The first unit of the text gives an introduction to general medicine concepts. It starts by providing an introduction to clinical pathology, common medical procedures, the basics of pharmacology, and lastly, introduces common contagious illnesses. The second unit of the text discusses body systems and complications that may arise in each system. Common conditions and illnesses of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, neurological, and endocrine systems are introduced. Additionally, the second unit covers dermatological conditions and issues that may arise in the eyes or ears. Each illness and condition in the text provides the associated signs and symptoms, most common treatment plan and recommended preventative measures.

Getting the right diagnosis is a key aspect of health care - it provides an explanation of a patient's health problem and informs subsequent health care decisions. The diagnostic process is a complex, collaborative activity that involves clinical reasoning and information gathering to determine a patient's health problem. According to Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, diagnostic errors-inaccurate or delayed diagnoses-persist throughout all settings of care and continue to harm an unacceptable number of patients. It is likely that most people will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, sometimes with devastating consequences. Diagnostic errors may cause harm to patients by preventing or delaying appropriate treatment, providing unnecessary or harmful treatment, or resulting in psychological or financial repercussions. The committee concluded that improving the diagnostic process is not only possible, but also represents a moral, professional, and public health imperative. Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, a continuation of the landmark Institute of Medicine reports To Err Is Human (2000) and Crossing the Quality Chasm (2001), finds that diagnosis-and, in particular, the occurrence of diagnostic errorsâ€"has been largely unappreciated in efforts to improve the quality and safety of health care. Without a dedicated focus on improving diagnosis, diagnostic errors will likely worsen as the delivery of health care and the diagnostic process continue to increase in complexity. Just as the diagnostic process is a collaborative activity, improving diagnosis will require collaboration and a widespread commitment to change among health care professionals, health care organizations, patients and their families, researchers, and policy makers. The recommendations of Improving Diagnosis in Health Care contribute to the growing momentum for change in this crucial area of health care quality and safety.

A practical introduction to the subject of medical treatment. This book aids in the understanding of everyday situations on the wards, in out-patient clinics and in the primary care setting.

Medical Conditions in the Athlete, Third Edition, equips health care providers with the information they need to develop a framework for decision making when working with injured and recovering athletes and active populations.

A full-color, case-based review of the essentials of pathophysiology--covering all major organs and systems The goal of this trusted text is to introduce you to clinical medicine by reviewing the pathophysiologic basis of 120 diseases (and associated signs and symptoms) commonly encountered in medical practice. The authors, all experts in their respective fields, have provided a concise review of relevant normal structure and function of each body system, followed by a description of the pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie several common diseases related to that system. Each chapter of Pathophysiology of Disease concludes with a collection of case studies and questions designed to test your understanding of the pathophysiology of each clinical entity discussed. These case studies allow you to apply your knowledge to specific clinical situations. Detailed answers to each case study question are provided at the end of the book. This unique interweaving of physiological and pathological concepts will put you on the path toward thinking about signs and symptoms in terms of their pathophysiologic basis, giving you an understanding of the "why" behind illness and treatment. Features 120 case studies (9 new) provide an opportunity for you to test your understanding of the pathophysiology of each clinical entity discussed Checkpoint questions provide review and appear in every chapter Updates and revisions throughout this new edition reflect the latest research and developments Numerous tables and diagrams encapsulate important information Updated references for each chapter topic Pathophysiology of Disease is a true must-have resource for medical students preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam, as well as students engaged in their clerkship studies. House officers, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants, and allied health practitioners will find its concise presentation and broad scope a great help in facilitating their understanding of common disease entities.