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.

British Medical Association Book Awards 2009 - First Prize Winner, Primary Care Category Evidence-Based Diagnosis in Primary Care provides guidance on diagnosis in general practice, from the patient’s first presentation with a symptom to the final establishment of a diagnosis or referral for further investigation. The book is divided into two parts: • Symptoms; which details the steps necessary to reach a provisional diagnosis when a patient presents; and • Disorders; in which the more detailed assessment of that initial diagnosis is described. This is the first book to be written about diagnosis in primary care that attempts to base its guidance on the research evidence. Enough information is provided on each symptom, or condition, to decide on the pre-test probability of each possible disorder, and how the symptoms, signs and investigations alter those probabilities to allow a conclusion to be reached about the most likely diagnosis. Evidence-Based Diagnosis in Primary Care also explains the principles of evidence-based diagnosis – with special emphasis on the issues raised by attempting an evidence-based approach in primary care – and clearly demonstrates the power, and the difficulties, of an evidence-based approach. Many chapters also feature ‘red flags’ – elements of the history or examination that should alert the practitioner to the possibility of serious disease, which is vital for general practice.

This translation of the original Chinese text provides a guide to clinical examination and differential diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine. It examines the diagnostic method used in traditional Chinese medicine and relates it to T CM syndromes. Colour plates illuminate key diagnostic signs.

Explains the mathematics involved in understanding and choosing an array of diagnostic and prognostic tests, in order to improve treatment.

Now includes a “Year in Review” highlighting over 180 recent medical advances since the last edition! Doody's Core Titles for 2021! For 60 years, CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment—the flagship volume of the renowned Lange medical series—has been delivering the authoritative information students, residents, and clinicians need to build their medical knowledge, expertise, and confidence. Covering the latest clinical developments in all facets of medicine and fully focused on bedside clinical issues, this new edition provides completely the latest guidelines, reference, drug prices, approved drugs, and evidence-based coverage of more than 1,000 diseases and disorders—all formatted to enable you to find the answers you need quickly and effortlessly. This landmark guide covers inpatient and outpatient care, focusing on the diagnostic tools relevant to daily practice, and reviews all primary care topics, including gynecology/obstetrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, geriatrics, preventive medicine, psychiatry, and neurology. Now includes a “year in review” feature highlighting what’s new in CMDT! Includes essentials of diagnosis for most diseases/disorders Hundreds of quick-access drug treatment tables with indexed trade names Diagnostic and treatment algorithms present important information in an at-a-glance style Up-to-date references provide peer-reviewed, evidence-based information Seven bonus chapters available online to all book purchasers, featuring expanded content and annual review of advances in HIV treatment and critical information on emerging viral infections

The most convenient, authoritative overview of family medicine and primary care -- completely updated and expanded! A Doody's Core Title ESSENTIAL PURCHASE! Praise for an earlier edition--"This portable, 700 page paperback is an excellent reference for practitioners caring for patients in ongoing settings. Information is complete, yet readily accessible. Information is prioritized well, making it easy to locate information rapidly. It will be a cost-effective addition to the shelves of thousands of hardworking family doctors. 5 STARS!"--Doody's Review Service Great for USMLE Step 3 review, board certification, and maintenance or recertification Concise, evidence-based coverage of the diseases and syndromes most commonly seen in clinical practice Organized according to the developmental lifespan, beginning with childhood and adolescence, focusing on the reproductive years, and progressing through adulthood and senior years -- includes end-of-life issues Complementary and alternative treatments included where appropriate Recommendations for both immediate and ongoing management strategies Numerous algorithms, charts, and tables encapsulate important information Conservative and pharmacologic therapies Patient education information Sections on Therapeutics, Genetics, and Prevention; Psychosocial Disorders; and Physician-Patient Issues NEW chapter patient-centered medicine

This innovative introduction to patient encounters utilizes an evidence-based step-by-step process that teaches students how to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients based on the clinical complaints they present. By applying this approach, students are able to make appropriate judgments about specific diseases and prescribe the most effective therapy. (Product description).