I've been bleeding from the bowels

GP Dr Andrew Knight talks to Dr Kathryn O'Connor about his approach to assessment and management of case study "Serge" who presents saying "I've been bleeding from the bowels". Patient history is important and open questions are especially helpful in complex presentations. Serge has multiple problems including tiredness, constipation and rectal bleeding. Causes of tiredness are many and varied and basic pathology can help exclude an organic cause. Screening for a psychogenic cause is important and the BATHE framework can is a useful method. It is important to address the patient's main concern; in this case "Serge" is concerned about cancer. Excluding cancer in Serge allows the GP to move onto other management priorities including lifestyle issues, possible sleep apnoea, cardiovascular risk and further psychological assessment
Source: Australian Family Physician audio - Category: Primary Care Authors: Tags: Podcasts Source Type: podcasts