Is it serious?
What is it?
What can be done?
Most of life and medicine is uncertain depsite the advances in science. This is the challenge that makes general practice interesting, helpful and yet pressurised. Every consultation is a risk because the outcome is unpredictable for each individual. The key is to keep the door open and review if new problems arise or “warning signs” occur. education on what the warning signs or symptoms are for the problem that presents is part of dealing with uncertainty.
There are three steps to take in every single consultation – is it serious or not?, then what could be the cause? then what can be done?
Is it serious?
Rule out the serious first by asking relevant questions. Document these negatives in case this becomes relevant in the future. Share the serious exclusions you have made and why. Explain the warning signs before the person leaves so that they can watch for the serious as well. It is a safety net that empowers the patient and enables review if the unpredicted happens
What is it?
Discuss the possible causes. Include the extremes of cancer and explain why this is not likely. It is in everyone’s mind so it helps to be in the open, addressed and exclued
What can be done?
Discuss the options for treatments even if there is no definite cause found. Share all the options including surgery or referral so that it is clear that they have all been considered. Then select and agree on the most helpful to try.