Understanding test results
Have you ever heard the saying "A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing?" Sometimes folks will draw wrong conclusions when they read or hear things they only partially understand.
There seems to be a natural tendency for folks to think the worst and become upset with these erroneous conclusions. I remember when it was almost impossible to get test results from anyone other than the doctor ordering the test. It had its good and bad points. Sometimes folks had to wait for results longer than they wanted to. But at least when they were given results, they were able to ask questions of the doctor at the time and come away with an understanding of what the test results meant.
Doctors have a responsibility to their patients to be sure they understand test results. This also goes for explaining any procedures or surgeries or other treatments to the patient before deciding to proceed with them. Sometimes patients need to assert themselves and ask questions about things they understand and be sure they have a sound understanding of the issues at hand. There is no reason to come away from an appointment questioning what something meant.
When folks ask me what a particular test result means, I can only provide them with generalized definitions of the different words in the diagnosis. I am not in the position to provide specific explanations of results because I do not know all of the circumstances of the case. The doctor is the one who should provide this information so he can explain things in relation to your specific condition.
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Technorati Tags: medical, lab test
There seems to be a natural tendency for folks to think the worst and become upset with these erroneous conclusions. I remember when it was almost impossible to get test results from anyone other than the doctor ordering the test. It had its good and bad points. Sometimes folks had to wait for results longer than they wanted to. But at least when they were given results, they were able to ask questions of the doctor at the time and come away with an understanding of what the test results meant.
Doctors have a responsibility to their patients to be sure they understand test results. This also goes for explaining any procedures or surgeries or other treatments to the patient before deciding to proceed with them. Sometimes patients need to assert themselves and ask questions about things they understand and be sure they have a sound understanding of the issues at hand. There is no reason to come away from an appointment questioning what something meant.
When folks ask me what a particular test result means, I can only provide them with generalized definitions of the different words in the diagnosis. I am not in the position to provide specific explanations of results because I do not know all of the circumstances of the case. The doctor is the one who should provide this information so he can explain things in relation to your specific condition.
Related Topics: Health Tools, 25 Steps to Help Curb Health Problems
Technorati Tags: medical, lab test
3 Comments:
Not to seem critical, but I do think that since you are an RN, you, to some degree, should have a good understanding of the reality of the situation. You are around people at both diagnosis and prognosis stage of a variety of dis-eases (illness, injury, surgery recovery and rehabilitation etc.).
People often aren't looking for a definition of a particular procedure simply because there is one... They are looking for some consolation. Often, surgery is an emotional as well as physical experience. They may be looking for a quick rundown of how it will be, but I doubt they want to know every detail from start to finish... Unless they request a specific procedural itinerary, I bet you have enough knowledge to satiate most curiosities.
I do, however, agree, that if the patient does have any particular questions that are obviously out of your responsibility, than they should be readily available to help out. Or, perhaps, there should be someone at least, with the answers the patient is seeking... Making sure someone is knowledged is a powerful tool to successful prognosis.
My bach hurts alot. I need to know that what shale i do???????!
I have a question is an mri with contrast really very different from one without.Please answer.And maybe some differences if anyone knows!Thanks
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