Preparing for assessment
General principles Clinical assessments are integral to undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and training, and are designed to verify that those involved in the care of patients meet safe clinical…
The frail elderly patient
Assessment of the frail elderly patient Comprehensive geriatric assessment is an evidence-based process that improves outcomes. It involves taking the history from the patient and, with the patient’s consent, from…
The patient with mental disorder
Mental disorders are very common, frequently coexist with physical disorders and cause much mortality and morbidity. Psychiatric assessment is therefore a required skill for all clinicians. It consists of four…
The skin, hair and nails
Dermatological conditions are very common (10–15% of general practice consultations) and present to doctors in all specialties. In the UK, 50% are lesions (‘lumps and bumps’), including skin cancers, and…
The visual system
Anatomy and physiology The eye is a complex structure situated in the bony orbit. It is protected by the eyelid, which affords protection against injury as well as helping to…
The endocrine system
Endocrine glands synthesise hormones that are released into the circulation and act at distant sites. Diseases may result from excessive or inadequate hormone production, or target organ hypersensitivity or resistance…
The renal system
Anatomy and physiology The kidneys lie posteriorly in the abdomen, retroperitoneally on either side of the spine at the T12–L3 level, and are 11–14 cm long ( Fig. 12.1 ). The…
The respiratory system
Anatomy and physiology An understanding of the surface anatomy of the lungs ( Fig. 5.1 ) and their relation to closely adjacent structures is essential for the practice of respiratory…
General aspects of history taking
The importance of a clear history Understanding the patient’s experience of illness by taking a history is central to the practice of all branches of medicine. The process requires patience,…
Managing clinical encounters with patients
The clinical encounter The clinical encounter between a patient and doctor lies at the heart of most medical practice. At its simplest, it is the means by which people who…
