Improving Diagnosis in Health Care

Improving Diagnosis in Health Care PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309377722
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 473

Book Description
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.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal Cancer Screening PDF Author: Joseph Anderson, MD
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1607613980
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 210

Book Description
Colorectal Cancer Screening provides a complete overview of colorectal cancer screening, from epidemiology and molecular abnormalities, to the latest screening techniques such as stool DNA and FIT, Computerized Tomography (CT) Colonography, High Definition Colonoscopes and Narrow Band Imaging. As the text is devoted entirely to CRC screening, it features many facts, principles, guidelines and figures related to screening in an easy access format. This volume provides a complete guide to colorectal cancer screening which will be informative to the subspecialist as well as the primary care practitioner. It represents the only text that provides this up to date information about a subject that is continually changing. For the primary practitioner, information on the guidelines for screening as well as increasing patient participation is presentedd. For the subspecialist, information regarding the latest imaging techniques as well as flat adenomas and chromoendoscopy are covered. The section on the molecular changes in CRC will appeal to both groups. The text includes up to date information about colorectal screening that encompasses the entire spectrum of the topic and features photographs of polyps as well as diagrams of the morphology of polyps as well as photographs of CT colonography images. Algorithms are presented for all the suggested guidelines. Chapters are devoted to patient participation in screening and risk factors as well as new imaging technology. This useful volume explains the rationale behind screening for CRC. In addition, it covers the different screening options as well as the performance characteristics, when available in the literature, for each test. This volume will be used by the sub specialists who perform screening tests as well as primary care practitioners who refer patients to be screened for colorectal cancer.

Malaria

Malaria PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 9780309045278
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 312

Book Description
Malaria is making a dramatic comeback in the world. The disease is the foremost health challenge in Africa south of the Sahara, and people traveling to malarious areas are at increased risk of malaria-related sickness and death. This book examines the prospects for bringing malaria under control, with specific recommendations for U.S. policy, directions for research and program funding, and appropriate roles for federal and international agencies and the medical and public health communities. The volume reports on the current status of malaria research, prevention, and control efforts worldwide. The authors present study results and commentary on the: Nature, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and epidemiology of malaria. Biology of the malaria parasite and its vector. Prospects for developing malaria vaccines and improved treatments. Economic, social, and behavioral factors in malaria control.

Overdiagnosed

Overdiagnosed PDF Author: H. Gilbert Welch
Publisher: Beacon Press
ISBN: 0807022012
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 247

Book Description
An exposé on Big Pharma and the American healthcare system’s zeal for excessive medical testing, from a nationally recognized expert More screening doesn’t lead to better health—but can turn healthy people into patients. Going against the conventional wisdom reinforced by the medical establishment and Big Pharma that more screening is the best preventative medicine, Dr. Gilbert Welch builds a compelling counterargument that what we need are fewer, not more, diagnoses. Documenting the excesses of American medical practice that labels far too many of us as sick, Welch examines the social, ethical, and economic ramifications of a health-care system that unnecessarily diagnoses and treats patients, most of whom will not benefit from treatment, might be harmed by it, and would arguably be better off without screening. Drawing on 25 years of medical practice and research on the effects of medical testing, Welch explains in a straightforward, jargon-free style how the cutoffs for treating a person with “abnormal” test results have been drastically lowered just when technological advances have allowed us to see more and more “abnormalities,” many of which will pose fewer health complications than the procedures that ostensibly cure them. Citing studies that show that 10% of 2,000 healthy people were found to have had silent strokes, and that well over half of men over age sixty have traces of prostate cancer but no impairment, Welch reveals overdiagnosis to be rampant for numerous conditions and diseases, including diabetes, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, gallstones, abdominal aortic aneuryisms, blood clots, as well as skin, prostate, breast, and lung cancers. With genetic and prenatal screening now common, patients are being diagnosed not with disease but with “pre-disease” or for being at “high risk” of developing disease. Revealing the economic and medical forces that contribute to overdiagnosis, Welch makes a reasoned call for change that would save us from countless unneeded surgeries, excessive worry, and exorbitant costs, all while maintaining a balanced view of both the potential benefits and harms of diagnosis. Drawing on data, clinical studies, and anecdotes from his own practice, Welch builds a solid, accessible case against the belief that more screening always improves health care.

Hematology

Hematology PDF Author: Ronald Hoffman
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780443066283
Category : Blood
Languages : en
Pages : 2821

Book Description


Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma PDF Author: Morie A. Gertz
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461485207
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 311

Book Description
This is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art guide to the diagnosis, treatment, and biology of multiple myeloma and related plasma disorders. Edited and written by a multidisciplinary group of recognized authorities from the Mayo Clinic, it presents clear guidelines on diagnosis and therapy and covers all aspects of multiple myeloma, from molecular classification and diagnosis, to risk stratification and therapy. Closely related plasma cell disorders such as solitary plasmacytoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and light chain amyloidosis are discussed in detail as well. The book addresses often overlooked topics, including the role of radiation therapy, vertebral augmentation, and supportive care. Our understanding of this group of disorders is developing at an unprecedented rate, and Multiple Myeloma meets the need among oncologists and hematologists for a clear, timely, and authoritative resource on their biology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Risk and Reasoning in Clinical Diagnosis

Risk and Reasoning in Clinical Diagnosis PDF Author: Cym Anthony Ryle
Publisher:
ISBN: 0190944005
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 209

Book Description
Risk and Reasoning in Clinical Diagnosis is an accessible and readable look at the medical diagnostic process. Based on 30 years experience as a primary care clnician, the author presents insights and concepts developed in cognitive psychology that bear on the diagnostic process, reviews what recent evidence tells us about diagnosis, and suggests specific, practical steps aimed at improving diagnosis in medical training and practice.

Introduction to Lymphoma

Introduction to Lymphoma PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781914948060
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description


Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology E-Book

Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology E-Book PDF Author: Barbara J. Bain
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 0702069256
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 599

Book Description
For more than 65 years, this best-selling text by Drs. Barbara J. Bain, Imelda Bates, and Mike A. Laffan has been the worldwide standard in laboratory haematology. The 12th Edition of Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology continues the tradition of excellence with thorough coverage of all of the techniques used in the investigation of patients with blood disorders, including the latest technologies as well as traditional manual methods of measurement. You'll find expert discussions of the principles of each test, possible causes of error, and the interpretation and clinical significance of the findings. - A unique section on haematology in under-resourced laboratories. - Ideal as a laboratory reference or as a comprehensive exam study tool. - diagnosis, molecular testing, blood transfusion- and much more. - Complete coverage of the latest advances in the field. - An expanded section on coagulation now covers testing for new anticoagulants and includes clinical applications of the tests.

Anemia: Diagnosis and Treatment

Anemia: Diagnosis and Treatment PDF Author: Rudy Willis
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781632414205
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Anemia is a condition that arises due to the lack of hemoglobin or red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the factor that binds oxygen to blood and supplies it to all the parts of the body. It may be caused due to decreased production of red blood cells, sudden blood loss, and genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia, etc. Slow anemia results in fatigue, problems in breathing, while a quick anemia may result in unconsciousness and increased thirst. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease involves complete blood count, blood smear test, flow cytometry and providing iron supplements. This book explores all the important aspects related to anemia in the present day scenario. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers. This text includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various aspects related to anemia. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of this field. It will serve as an essential guide for hematologists, researchers and students alike.