Patients have lived a lifetime of ups and downs; successes and set backs prior to entering a PM&R clinic for treatment. The impact of an individual’s prior life experiences on their current physical and mental wellbeing cannot be underestimated. Likewise the individuals past experiences often serve as the foundation for the development of their expectations of themselves and those around them. Clinicians should be sensitive to the fact that each patient has a unique background that will contribute to their clinical outcome.
A patient past history should explore past medical history, prior evaluations/treatments, physical demands at work/recreation, psychiatric history, social stressors, substance abuse, family medical/psychiatric history, history of physical/sexual abuse and other barriers to clinical success (insurance, education, pharmacy access, support network).
Clues from the Past - Identifying Serious Disease
One of the primary objectives of a clinical assessment is to identify if a patient is at risk of a serious illness or injury. The judgment of the healthcare provider is required to
interpreting the significances of whether a "red flag" requires further diagnostic
testing or intervention.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)