Why is treating the patient so different from treating the disease?
This is one reason treating the patient is so different from treating the disease. The necessities of how each person has to function in order to get through the day vary widely; the functional needs of a professor may be quite different from the needs of a truck driver or a person managing a farm.
What to do when a patient is having trouble functioning?
If you feel unqualified to help the patient deal with his anxiety, depression or trouble functioning, tell the patient that you can see he is having difficulty and suggest options for getting help from other sources. Taken together, the factors listed above create a kind of perfect storm.
How do you treat patients in a clinical setting?
Show respect and treat each person with compassion and without judgment. Determine your patient's readiness to learn. Ask your patients about their outlooks, attitudes, and motivations. Learn the patient's perspective.
How do we decide if a treatment is even needed?
First, we need to determine if a treatment is even needed. By having a clear accounting of the person’s symptoms and how they affect daily functioning, we can decide to what extent the individual is adversely affected.
How does a mental health professional assess a client?
For a mental health professional to be able to effectively help treat a client and know that the treatment selected worked (or is working), he/she first must engage in the clinical assessment of the client, or collecting information and drawing conclusions through the use of observation, psychological tests, neurological tests, and interviews to determine the person’s problem and the presenting symptoms. This collection of information involves learning about the client’s skills, abilities, personality characteristics, cognitive and emotional functioning, the social context in terms of environmental stressors that are faced, and cultural factors particular to them such as their language or ethnicity. Clinical assessment is not just conducted at the beginning of the process of seeking help but throughout the process. Why is that?
Why are some disorders not included in the main body of the APA?
Additionally, some disorders were not included within the main body of the document because they did not have the scientific evidence to support their widespread clinical use, but were included in Section III under “Conditions for Further Study” to “highlight the evolution and direction of scientific advances in these areas to stimulate further research” (APA, 2013).
Can anyone seek treatment?
Anyone can seek treatment and we all can benefit from it at some point in our lives.
Is clinical assessment an ongoing process?
It should be clear from this discussion that clinical assessment is an ongoing process.
Does receiving a diagnosis mean you need treatment?
Receiving a diagnosis does not necessarily mean the person requires treatment. This decision is made based upon how severe the symptoms are, level of distress caused by the symptoms, symptom salience such as expressing suicidal ideation, risks and benefits of treatment, disability, and other factors (APA, 2013).
What does it mean to treat the patient rather than the disease?
At the practical level, treating the patient rather than the disease means considering what’s important to the individual patient and keeping that in mind when deciding how to proceed. Consider the different effects a disease of the eye can have on an individual: The patient can have a symptom, such as pain; you may observe a sign such as a cupped optic nerve, a hemorrhage in the macula or high intraocular pressure; the disease may undermine the patient’s visual ability, as registered by a specific metric such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity or visual field; and/or the disease may undermine the person’s ability to function. Of these, only two really matter to the patient: how the patient feels, and how well the patient is able to function. Patients don’t care about signs. Their IOP or the fact that they have a hemorrhage on the optic nerve is totally immaterial to them. (Of course, they will care a great deal if you explain that these signs indicate progressive glaucoma that could lead to blindness; but the reason they will care is because you’re now talking about their functionality and quality of life.)
What is the goal of a doctor?
However, in order to do that we have to be thinking about more than simply managing the patient’s vision. We have to remember that our goal is to treat the patient, not just the disease.
What happens if you take out a cataract?
However, the patient could end up with more glare than before, and that may be more important to some patients than improved acuity.
How does vision impairment affect quality of life?
Clearly, vision impairment has an impact on functionality and quality of life. However, the impact that visual impairment has on any given individual depends on a number of factors that are within the physician’s power to influence, including the patient’s attitude and use of resources.
How to cope with loss of sight?
Loss of sight is a challenge, and like any challenge, how you cope with it will depend in large measure on the way you frame the situation in your mind. What people sometimes forget is that the perspective we have about our situation is always under our control. That’s why it’s worth reminding your patient that making the effort to look for potential positives in a difficult situation caused by vision loss can remove some of the fear and difficulty. Then, despite some loss of functionality, the impact on the patient’s quality of life won’t be as great.
What is the primary responsibility of an ophthalmologist?
As ophthalmologists, we tend to think of preserving vision as our primary responsibility. But the reality is that many of our patients will lose vision despite our best efforts, and that loss brings with it a host of challenges that can undermine a patient’s quality of life and functionality. I would argue that, as physicians, our true responsibility is not just to preserve vision but to help our patients maintain functionality and quality of life. Maintaining the patient’s vision is simply a means to that end.
What is the primary job of a doctor?
I believe a doctor’s primary job is not just to treat disease, but to care for how people feel and how they function. Patients may understand that something has improved because of your treatment—after all, you’ve undoubtedly told them so—but what they really want from you is improved functionality and quality of life. That may or may not happen as a result of your treatment. Visual ability, as reflected by the patient’s ability to read a Snellen chart, for example, doesn’t necessarily translate to greater functionality or better quality of life.
What to do for swollen glands?
Use a warm or cold compress to ease the pain of swollen glands.
What to do if your child has mumps?
Drink plenty of fluids. If your child has mumps, watch for complications. Call your doctor if your child develops: Fever of 103 F (39 C) or greater. Trouble eating or drinking. Confusion or disorientation. Abdominal pain. In boys, pain and swelling of the testicles.
Can you ask questions during an appointment?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.
What to do if you have hyperthyroidism?
If you've been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, the most important thing is to receive the necessary medical care. After you and your doctor have decided on a course of action, there are some things you can do that will help you cope with the condition and support your body during its healing process.
Why is TSH important?
The amount of TSH is important because it's the hormone that signals your thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine. These tests are particularly necessary for older adults, who may not have classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
How to diagnose hyperthyroidism?
Diagnosis. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed using: Medical history and physical exam. During the exam your doctor may try to detect a slight tremor in your fingers when they're extended, overactive reflexes, eye changes and warm, moist skin. Your doctor will also examine your thyroid gland as you swallow to see if it's enlarged, ...
What is the treatment for parathyroidism?
In addition, you'll need lifelong treatment with levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, others) to supply your body with normal amounts of thyroid hormone. If your parathyroid glands also are removed, you'll need medication to keep your blood-calcium levels normal.
Do older adults need thyroid tests?
These tests are particularly necessary for older adults, who may not have classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Why Is Evaluating Depression So Important?
Depression can manifest itself in several ways. In addition to the typical sadness and hopeless feelings it can create , depression can also contribute to many physical symptoms that drive people to seek medical care. These include pain, gastrointestinal issues, and headaches. 8
What does the complete PHQ ask about?
In addition to looking at depression, the complete PHQ asks about anxiety, alcohol use, and eating behaviors. 3 Patients' answers can help identify potential issues in these areas.
What is the number to call for depression?
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
How long does it take to take the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 is also short and can be completed in just a couple of minutes. This free test has been shown to be effective in multiple settings and situations.
What is PHQ-9 used for?
PHQ-9 Uses. The PHQ-9 is a tool often used for regular depression screenings during primary care visits or checkups. 1 It may also be part of a more comprehensive assessment.
How many questions are asked on the PHQ-9 test?
Possible answers include: not at all, several days, more than half the days, or nearly every day. The PHQ-9 test also includes a tenth question. It is answered if any of the previous nine questions reveal that depression may exist.
Which is better, PHQ-9 or diagnostic interview?
After looking at the data collected from each person involved, the authors concluded that the PHQ-9 was more sensitive than a diagnostic interview. Thus, it was better at picking up major depression.
Why is pain assessment important?
Pain assessment is critical to optimal pain management interventions. While pain is a highly subjective experience, its management necessitates objective standards of care. The WILDA approach to pain assessment—focusing on words to describe pain, intensity, location, duration, and aggravating or alleviating factors—offers a concise template for assessment in patients with acute and chronic pain.
How does pain assessment help?
This means listening empathically, believing and legitimizing the patient's pain, and understanding, to the best of his or her capability, what the patient may be experiencing. A health care professional's empathic understanding of the patient's pain experience and accompanying symptoms confirms that there is genuine interest in the patient as a person. This can influence a positive pain management outcome. After the assessment, quality pain management depends on clinicians' earnest efforts to ensure that patients have access to the best level of pain relief that can be safely provided. Clinicians most successful at this task are those who are knowledgeable, experienced, empathic, and available to respond to patient needs quickly.
What is breakthrough pain?
Breakthrough pain refers to a transitory exacerbation or flare of pain occurring in an individual who is on a regimen of analgesics for continuous stable pain (20). Patients need to be asked, “Is your pain always there, or does it come and go?” or “Do you have both chronic and breakthrough pain?” Pain descriptors, intensity, and location are important to obtain not only on breakthrough pain but on stable (continuous) pain as well.
What are some interventions that can help relieve pain?
A typical question might be, “What makes the pain better or worse?” Analgesics, nonpharmacologic approaches (massage, relaxation, music or visualization therapy, biofeedback, heat or cold), and nerve blocks are some interventions that may relieve the pain. Other factors (movement, physical therapy, activity, intravenous sticks or blood draws, mental anguish, depression, sadness, bad news) may intensify the pain.
What are the side effects of pain assessment?
These include nausea, vomiting, constipation, sleepiness, confusion, urinary retention, and weakness. Some patients may tolerate these symptoms without aggressive treatment; others may choose to stop taking analgesics or adjuvant medications because of side effect intolerance. Adjustments, alterations, or titration may be all that is necessary.
What is JCAHO in pain management?
Recognition of the widespread inadequacy of pain management has prompted efforts to correct the problems by a wide variety of organizations, including the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the American Pain Soci-ety, and the Oncology Nursing Society. The development of practice guidelines and standards reflects the national trend in health care to assess quality of care in high-incidence patients by moni-toring selected patient outcomes, as well as the assessment and management of pain. JCAHO surveyors routinely inquire about pain assessment and management practices and quality assurance activitiesin both inpatient and outpatient care areas.
Is pain a part of life?
Pain is a part of life. I just need to bear it.
Why is it important to start off on the right foot?
When your medical practice has a new patient, starting off on the right foot can make a positive difference over the short and long term. Information you collect at the beginning of the patient relationship helps both parties avoid surprises and ensure that medical billing is accurate.
Do doctors need to know if a patient has a food allergy?
In addition to knowing whether a new patient has seasonal or food allergies, doctors need to know if they have any drug allergies, a latex allergy, or a serious reaction to bee stings, for example.
Do over the counter medications count as supplements?
Some people think that over-the-counter medications don't count, or that herbal supplements don't matter. Make it clear to new patients that the physician needs to know not only about any prescription medications he or she takes, but also over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How to get to know your patient?
Get to know your patient. Introduce yourself and explain your role in your patient's care. Review their medical record and ask basic get-to-know-you questions.
What are the needs of a patient?
The success of patient education depends largely on how well you assess your patient's: 1 Needs 2 Concerns 3 Readiness to learn 4 Preferences 5 Support 6 Barriers and limitations (such as physical and mental capacity, and low health literacy or numeracy)
How to teach a patient to make assumptions?
Be careful not to make assumptions. Patient teaching based on incorrect assumptions may not be very effective and may take more time. Find out what the patient wants to know or take away from your meeting. Get to know your patient. Introduce yourself and explain your role in your patient's care.
How effective is patient education?
To be effective, patient education needs to be more than instructions and information. Teachers and health care providers need to be able to assess patient needs and communicate clearly. The success of patient education depends largely on how well you assess your patient's: Needs. Concerns. Readiness to learn.
What is the first step in patient education?
Often, the first step is to find out what the patient already knows. Use these guidelines to do a thorough assessment before starting patient education:
Diagnosis
- If you or your child has signs or symptoms of mumps, the doctor is likely to: 1. Ask whether you or your child has been vaccinated against mumps and whether you might have been exposed to the virus 2. Recommend a blood test to check for evidence of the mumps virus
Treatment
- Mumps is caused by a virus, so antibiotics aren't effective. But most children and adults recover from an uncomplicated case of mumps within a few weeks. People with mumps are generally no longer contagious and can safely return to work or school about five days after the appearance of signs and symptoms.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Rest is the best treatment. There's little your doctor can do to speed recovery. But you can take some steps to ease pain and discomfort and keep others from becoming infected. Try to: 1. Isolate yourself or your child to prevent spreading the disease to others. Someone with mumps may be contagious up to five days after the onset of signs and symptoms. 2. Take over-the-coun…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- What you can do
1. Write down symptomsyou or your child has had, and for how long. 2. Try to rememberif you or your child has been exposed to someone with signs and symptoms of mumps within the last few weeks. 3. Make a list of all medications,vitamins or supplements that your or your child takes. 4… - Questions to ask your doctor
1. What's the most likely cause of these signs and symptoms? 2. What treatment approach do you recommend? 3. How soon should symptoms improve? 4. Are there are home remedies or self-care steps that could help relieve symptoms? 5. Am I or is my child contagious? For how long? 6…