Quality and Data Base Management

¶ … role behaviors of both provider and customer change when the customer is well informed about their health condition? A popular phrase amongst medical practitioners is that, when one hears hoof beats in the distance expect horses, not zebras -- in short, don't assume that a patient is suffering from the most exotic possible medical condition first. Rather, assume the most 'obvious' complaint when conducting the first diagnostic procedures upon a patient. But what is a horse for one patient can often be a zebra for another.

In other words, in the Serengeti, there are few Shetland ponies coming around the next corner. When a patient enters the office complaining of nausea and dizziness, the first suspicion upon a doctor's part might be he or she has eaten something disagreeable and is dehydrated from the ensuing sickness. But nausea, even in the absence of chest pain, can also be a symptom of heart disease in women.

If a patient is aware of this, and knows she is experiencing other symptoms that can be indicators of heart disease, or has a family history of heart disease, she can be an informed patient and make her health care provider aware of these additional, less than obvious factors of concern. Then, the doctor more effectively decide upon a battery of tests to give her, as well as engage her opinions, input and aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Even something as simple as a diabetic who knows his or her last several blood sugar readings can be helpful to a doctor, if only to eliminate the likelihood that diabetes is the main contributing factor in the patient's current problem. Information upon the part of the patient lessens the need for misdiagnosis, pain, heartache, and confusion upon the part of doctor and patient -- and also, of cost for the system. When a patient is not well-informed.