What is freshers flu? ‘Freshers’ flu’ is a term for the (mainly viral) illnesses that commonly affect new students – particularly in halls of residence – at the beginning of the academic year (end of September/early October) – such as colds, sore throats, the flu (and now COVID). It may (may) affect upto 90% of […]
Read More
How to examine the abdomen – and gastrointestinal system Introduction (“WIPER”) W – Wash your hands I – Introduce yourself to the patient P – Permission. Explain that you wish to perform an abdominal examination and obtain consent for the examination. Pain. Ask the patient if they are in any pain, and to tell you […]
Read More
Is there such a thing as ‘good medicine’ and ‘bad medicine’? Yes, there is such a thing as good and bad medicine. What is good medicine? Good medical practice: Involves advice or treatment that has proven value or will not exacerbate the problem Is based on thorough understanding of anatomical, physiological and pathological mechanisms Is […]
Read More
How to examine the human body The ability to examine the human body carefully and reliably is a key skill for most health professionals. How to examine the heart and cardiovascular (CVS) system How to examine the lungs and respiratory system How to examine the abdomen and gastrointestinal system Other resource Guide to examination (UCL) […]
Read More
How to examine the lungs – and respiratory system Examination of the chest is a fundamental technique that all doctors need to be able to perform. Introduction (‘WIPER’) W – Wash your hands. I – Introduce yourself to the patient. P – Permission. Explain that you wish to perform a respiratory examination and obtain consent […]
Read More
What are normal human physiology values? Blood pressure (BP): 130/80 (but this varies second to second) Pulse (heart) rate: 80 beats per minute (ditto) Breathing (respiratory rate): 16 breaths per minute Temperature (core): 37°C Blood pH (acid-base balance): 7.40 Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): 120 ml/min Total blood volume: 5 L. Cardiac output: 5 L per minute But, actually these […]
Read More
Medical history taking: maximise ‘golden minute’ and listening Sir William Osler, the Canadian physician, said, Listen to your patient, he (or she) is telling you the diagnosis” This article is about the start of a medical history, where this statement is especially true. It is relevant to a GP or hospital clinic assessment; but the […]
Read More
What is the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)? If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). The scheme covers: Prescription costs Dental costs Eyecare costs Healthcare travel costs Wigs and fabric supports You can apply for the scheme as long […]
Read More?){kind=link}
Very quick medical history taking (in 2 minutes) And with 7 questions. Really!? Yes. When a patient is unwell in A&E, time is of the essence. So you need to be able to take an adequate medical history briefly. So. Here goes. Very quick medical history taking (in 2 minutes). Clock on. Go .. 1. […]
Read More){kind=link}
When should you weigh yourself? First thing in the morning. So weigh yourself first thing in the morning, preferably without clothes on (or just underwear). Your body loses significant water weight overnight through breathing and perspiration. So stepping on the scale first thing in the morning will often give you your lightest weight of the […]
Read More