The Process of Determining a Person’s Health Condition: An Insight into Medical Evaluation

Doctors play a crucial role in the healthcare system by evaluating and diagnosing the health conditions of their patients. However, they don’t define health. In fact, there are no medical tests to measure the state of health. Instead, doctors focus on diagnosing diseases or pre-diseases and recommend appropriate treatment or monitoring plans. For those who believe in health as an affirming state of well-being, the medical profession has a unique approach to informing and guiding those seeking health improvement.

Understanding the Basic Process of Diagnosis

Doctors typically use the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) method to systematically evaluate and diagnose a patient's condition. This method helps to organize and prioritize information effectively.

Subjective

The subjective portion of the evaluation involves gathering information from the patient, including their chief complaint, history of present illness, and health history. The doctor will ask about the patient's current symptoms, past medical history, past illnesses, hospital admissions, emergency room visits, travel history, family medical history, and personal health data such as pregnancies, childbirths, or gynecological and obstetric history.

Objective

The objective portion involves a thorough physical examination. This includes checking vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as a detailed look at the patient's body. Laboratory and imaging tests may also be conducted, including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans. These objective measures provide a quantitative basis for the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Assessment

The assessment involves summarizing all the information gathered in the subjective and objective portions. The doctor will make a list of possible diagnoses, ranking them based on their likelihood. The assessment also considers alternative reasons for the patient's symptoms and potential diagnoses that may be less common but still possible.

Plan

The plan outlines the steps to be taken to confirm the diagnosis and further manage the patient's care. This can include additional tests, consultations with specialists, and treatment options. It's important to note that the plan may also include suggestions for lifestyle changes or preventative measures. Essentially, the plan aims to ensure the patient's overall well-being and improve their health status.

Historical Perspective and Modern Approaches

Historically, medical education emphasizes the identification of diseases, often leaving the concept of health as an afterthought. However, contemporary medical practices have begun to integrate concepts of health and healthiness into the evaluation process. Healthicine, founded by Tracy Toeniskoetter, emphasizes the Arts and Sciences of Health and Healthiness, highlighting the importance of health maintenance and preventive care.

Doctors recognize the importance of keeping patients healthy by addressing risk factors, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and providing education on self-care. Rather than just treating symptoms or diseases, doctors now consider the overall well-being and preventive measures to enhance the patient's quality of life.

Conclusion and Future Trends

The process of determining a person’s health condition is a multifaceted and evolving practice. While doctors focus on diagnosing and treating diseases, modern approaches recognize the broader concept of health. Through thorough evaluations and comprehensive care plans, doctors aim to not only address current issues but also promote long-term health and well-being.