Learning to Consult

Information is vital for healthcare professionals striving to keep their practice current and based on the best available evidence. The Internet is playing an increasingly crucial role in life long learning of health professionals and is becoming the most practical way to access publications on clinical guidelines systematic reviews and for updating users about the key aspects of health policy. This book covers the diversity and variable value of material available on the Internet and takes a fresh approach to coping with information overload. It illustrates how simple techniques such as making and using smart maps concept maps and mind maps can help clinicians keep up-to-date and how these methods can be applied to particular areas of healthcare. It provides numerous case studies in key areas including mental health child health primary care and care of the elderly. Mapping Health on the Internet is essential reading for all healthcare professionals and will assist in their learning and continuing professional development. Content: Front Cover Contents Forewords Preface About the editor About the contributors List of abbreviations Dedication Chapter 1: Communication skills Chapter 2: History taking Chapter 3: The importance of the 'doctor-patient relationship' Chapter 4: Physical examination Chapter 5: Problem solving and the diagnostic process Chapter 6: Patient management Chapter 7: Opportunistic/preventive care and health promotion Chapter 8: Record keeping and referrals Chapter 9: Writing a prescription Chapter 10: Advanced communication skills Chapter 11: Bioethics and values in medicine. Chapter 12: Consultation modelsChapter 13: Aids to learning Chapter 14: CPD, lifelong learning and preparing for examinations Chapter 15: Prescribing for common conditions Back Cover. This is a complete guide to consultation, communication, examination and diagnosis. It covers important and often overlooked areas such as preventative medicine, keeping good medical records and how to write a prescription. Detective skills are encouraged to assist with examination, diagnosis and treatment. It contains wide-ranging contributions from medical professionals, academics and students and is an ideal textbook with summaries at the end of each chapter, along with complete bibliography and glossary of terms. Undergraduate and postgraduate trainees in medicine, including GP Registrars and junior hospital doctors will find it invaluable