Primary Care Diagnostics

Primary care diagnostics involves interpreting and applying information obtained directly from the patient. It re-emphasises the importance of the patient's input into the diagnostic process and of using investigations only after careful consideration has been given to the costs and benefits from both the patient's and the health service's perspectives. The first edition of this book, Patient-Centred Diagnosis, was acclaimed for returning the patient to the centre of diagnostic input and focusing on the interaction between doctor and patient. This revised and augmented new edition, Primary Care Diagnostics, expands on that success; it reflects the broader and equally important issues considered by clinicians or commissioners focusing on the diagnostic approach within primary care, and includes entirely new chapters on cancer and commissioning. Family doctors and other healthcare professionals in the primary care team will find this an enlightening guide. Private and commercial providers of primary care clinical assessment and diagnostic services will also find it of great interest, as will healthcare managers, as well as policy makers and shapers. From reviews of the First Edition: 'Even the more technical sections are expressed in a straightforward language. The style is clear, flowing and engaging. Useful.' THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE 'Thought provoking. Clear, understandable and uses real examples from general practice. This is a book for GPs who wish to take a step back from daily practice and think about the reasons behind their actions.' PULSE

Introduction. Diagnostic difficulties. Principles of primary care diagnostics. Patient's story: Symptoms. Past medical history. Clinical examination. Diagnostic testing. Diagnostic research. The application of primary care diagnostics: Cancer. The application of primary care diagnostics: Commissioning. Conclusion.