CD 20 Flashcards
Differntial diognosis What does it mean?
The process of distinguishing a particular condition from other conditions that present with similar clinical features.
-We apply a process to identify the disease or condition causing a patient’s symptoms.
Who will perform a differential diagnosis?
All kinds of healthcare professionals including pharmacists.
port- of-call”
Community pharmacy
Pharmacist role for differential diagnosis?
- To triage patients: and look for warning signs that might indicate a more serious condition (“red flags”)
These patients might be referred to a doctor or other healthcare professional. - For diagnosis and treatment of minor conditions: in the pharmacy setting.
What are the steps in a differential diagnosis process?
- Gathering information.
(What type of problem?How long is it for whendid it start? who is the patient) - Make a list of possible diagnoses
- Prioritise the list
(which disease is Urgent to be focoused for treatment). - Rule out or treat or refer.
How to gather information from patients ?
Ask open and closed endend combine. where what when who how why etc.
Observation
Just general observation by looking of the patient.
i. e. -Gender
- Age
- General appearance
- if someone comes with pain by
What is WWHAM ?
WWHAM
Who is the patient ? What are the symptoms ? How long have the complaint symptoms been present ? What action taken ? Medication being taken ?
Why pharmacist diagnostic skills are necessary ?
- Medical practitioners are under increasing demands on their time
- New prescribing models for pharmacists
- Increased availability of effective non-prescription medicines
Few common tools and techniques used in differential diagnosis
Observation Mnemonics/acronyms Algorithms
Pattern recognition