When you meet your doctor-S.B.A.R.
I will reveal to you as a Dr what comes to my mind now -how should a patient reveal to me his her symptoms to get the best out of the visit.
This cannot be a fixed algorithm as science merges with art, senses with mind and heart as Doctor-patient conversation progresses. It is aided by a silent relative witness who adds on to information later without breaking the link! Reports files are seen at last by an ideal Dr.
Hello patient I am dr HAS, What is your name & age you may remove the mask for a moment for me to see your face then again pull it up without touching it. BioData address, occupation family status relative present now is noted
Nice, let us weigh you ..have you lost weight?
OK..how can I help you? for what trouble have you come?
Tell him her the exact reason Now or today which brought you there? what troubles her the most?
*SITUATION -Since how many days? anything else? since? Maximum 3 chief complaints within a week.
OK..Tell me how it has developed..when were You completely normal..free from these troubles...?
Tell your Dr what happened first to you then how the other trouble developed? Then dr will ask what did NOT happen or did something happen? Yes or No is the preferred answer.
*BACKGROUND-One's Allergies-Pre existing Disease or a condition is revealed. Past History-Habits-lifestyle-Personal habits Addictions, Smoking Alchohol tobacco -Medicines regularly or taken are told to Dr. Reveal Family Medical History-Conditions of parents of the person, their siblings and own -if any disease-Diabetes BP Heart Or Allergies, cancer TB, any.
Then dr will examine you- head to toe-do help dr to see what you specifically wanted her to see or examine.
The specific part of the disease like the chest, the abdomen is next examined. If any internal exam is to done ask dr to explain you well WHY it is needed. She should assure you no discomfort, use the material -(eg new jelly )needed for so, or conduct it when all ready.
*ASSESSMENT -Now Dr reaches a Provisional Opinion of your condition-not final Diagnosis. She needs Investigations in most cases to confirm the most probable Disease she suspects or he needs to rule out as absent? Differential Diagnosis.All need not be done immediately in cold non-urgent cases. Some like Sonography need an empty stomach full bladder with urine.Some like CAT SCan needs need S .Creatinine Kidney function tests before . Some Like PET Scan for Cancer need Bl Sugar and sp diet days before you do . Blood Tests -Lipid Profile, ESR, Thyroid needs empty stomach 13 hours.
*RECOMMENDATION...COMES LAST AFTER LOOKING AT REPORTS FILES OTHER DRS OPINION
Remember this is not a timeline , and takes more than one visit as per science and patients approval-Oh Sorry!! the relatives and their relatives who decide for the sick in the true sense.
S.B.A.R...this is the same brief way the Dr conveys to Senior or Other dr when reporting or discussing a medical condition of the person.
Each person's disease is Unique! Esp Cancer so in serious diseases do get even a second opinion from only a specialist of a similar field.
Science is ever-changing & so humble, without sweet talk and tall claims, and shares credit with the Constitution of the person and all-round support she receives from the family.
The secret of the care of the sick is Actually Caring for her him-without misusing his fears doubts. But today heart rules over minds and investigations are more reassuring than Dr's judgment.
I would believe in my dr give her trust respect and give her all information and feedback on any new development especially if you both have decided to wait before getting costly painful Investigations done without warning signs only to reassure selves assuage fears or of relatives! Few Doctors or Lawyers are waiting to jump in the moment opportunity gives them a window as in the western medical world.
A proper record of all interactions with a timeline lets Dr like me sleep well and get up with a smile to serve.