Product Description

The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Diagnosis is the first and only book so far to describe the differential diagnostic thought process so that it can be learnt logically and systematically. It also shows how to justify subjective diagnostic impressions clearly and logically in an evidence-based way. It provides the differential diagnosis of each symptom, physical sign and initial test result. The book uses pattern recognition tables which enable the reader to scan the page to see which diagnostic application would apply best to a patients findingsor case history. The book is aimed at medical students and others who wish to improve their diagnostic skills. It describes how to justify diagnoses and management decisions verbally or in writing and clarifies what evidence is needed to do so from research, and its statistical features. It provides senior doctors with a framework and examples to help teach trainees and students to approach diagnostic problems in a logical way and to justify their opinions. It provides all doctors with practical help when dealing with problems outside their immediate field of expertise, especially general practitioners and those faced with unforeseen situations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5214 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 800 pages

Review
The idea is brilliant -- take symptoms, signs, and examination findings, and suggest the most likely diagnosis. Then discuss how best to confirm it...once again OUP have come up trumps with another fine addition to the handbook family. (Dr Jeremy Sagar, Univadis )

Customer Reviews

Essential for med school revision
I bought this book a week ago and my confidence in diagnosis has increased ten fold. Not only can you pick the symptom you think is most relavent and look up what could be causing it, you also get a list of conditions with associated features, and how the condition is confirmed.

In real terms when on for example A&E, you get a patient with difuse hair loss (I had no idea where to start on this one) and you get given options of cytotoxic drugs , iron deficiency, sever illness, hypogonadism and recent pregnancy. You would then see what the symptoms of each are, and how you would confirm each.

It made the situation of coming away from a patient totally confused much easier. I am also better at coming up with differentials now.

Excellent book
This book is one of the most comprehensive I have read on clinical diagnosis and provides a checklist of discriminating criteria for many of the symptoms and signs encountered in clinical practice. My only criticism of this book, from the point of view of a finals student, is that it doesn't specifically list investigations that would be required when a patient has a list of 2 or 3 possible differentials after the history/examination, which are often asked in examinations. In this regard, "Differential Diagnosis" is a useful book to read alongside this one.

Very useful with an excellent layout
As a medical student, this book has been of great use to me, both for learning and revising. It provides an invaluable starting point for anyone trying to work out what's wrong with a patient. This is something that students don't find easy. Additionally, it contains the differential diagnoses for uncommon signs or symptoms - something medical school doesn't give a lot of guidance on.

The layout is the real reason that this book's so useful. Each page is headed by a clinical sign or symptom, with possible causes listed below. Additionally, there is advice about how to investigate each sign/ symptom and how other signs/symptoms and the results of investigations can be used to rule out possible causes and form a logical, reasoned diagnosis. Furthermore, the introductory chapters titled 'The diagnostic process' and 'Interpreting the history and examination' provide useful hints and tips about forming a diagnosis.