Patient Presentations in General Practice

Designed for general practitioners and primary care specialists, this book identifies a range of the commonly experienced patient presentations in general practice, focusing on the process by which the general practitioner defines the problem, discriminates between the alternative diagnoses and then manages the problem.

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"Patient Presentations in General Practice: A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosis and Management" has been designed as an essential reference for general practitioners and primary care specialists. The book identifies a range of the most commonly experienced patient presentations in general practice, focusing on the process by which the general practitioner defines the problem, discriminates between the alternative diagnoses and then manages the problem. One hundred and nineteen different presentations are listed and explored in detail. The book employs a model of differential diagnosis to accurately identify the cause of complaint. In-depth information is provided on problem definition and how a diagnosis is reached. The recommendations for management of the problem include details of drug therapy and surgical procedures, as well as non-pharmacological management, essential advice, patient education and follow-up monitoring of continuing health problems.The material is presented in a standardised format that is concise and easily accessible for the busy general practitioner.
The book was developed according to the findings of a research project implemented under the auspices of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, with the author as the principle researcher heading the project. To ensure accuracy and relevance for all the common conditions covered, the research team drew on the knowledge and experience of an initial reference group of 250 general practitioners, and further validated the results by involving a smaller consultative group.