Therapeutics and Clinical Diagnosis Overview

Definition: Branch of medicine focused on the treatment of diseases and the practice of healing.
Types of Therapies:
- Pharmacological: Use of medications (e.g., antibiotics, antihypertensives).
- Non-Pharmacological: Lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise), physical therapy.
Principles:
- Evidence-based practice: Utilizing clinical evidence to guide treatment choices.
- Individualized treatment: Tailoring therapy based on patient characteristics (age, comorbidities).

Definition: Process of identifying a disease or condition based on patient symptoms and clinical findings.
Steps in Diagnosis:
- History Taking: Gathering comprehensive patient history (medical, family, social).
- Physical Examination: Systematic assessment of the patient.
- Diagnostic Testing: Use of laboratory tests, imaging, and other diagnostics to confirm or rule out conditions.
Differential Diagnosis: Process of distinguishing between two or more conditions that share similar signs or symptoms.

Definition: Branch of medicine focused on the prevention of diseases and the promotion of health.
Levels of Prevention:
- Primary Prevention: Preventing disease before it occurs (e.g., vaccinations, health education).
- Secondary Prevention: Early detection and intervention (e.g., screening tests like mammograms).
- Tertiary Prevention: Managing and reducing the impact of established diseases (e.g., rehabilitation).
Public Health Initiatives: Efforts to improve community health through policies, education, and research.

Definition: Ongoing care and support for individuals with chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
Key Components:
- Patient Education: Teaching patients about their conditions and management strategies.
- Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and health assessments to track disease progression.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration among healthcare providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, dietitians).
Self-Management: Empowering patients to take charge of their own health through lifestyle changes and adherence to treatment plans.

Definition: Moral principles governing the practice of medicine.
Core Principles:
- Autonomy: Respecting patients' rights to make informed decisions about their care.
- Beneficence: Obligation to act in the best interest of the patient.
- Non-maleficence: Duty to do no harm.
- Justice: Fair distribution of healthcare resources and treatment.
Ethical Dilemmas: Situations where conflicts arise between ethical principles (e.g., end-of-life decisions, informed consent).
Professional Standards: Adhering to codes of ethics established by medical associations to guide practice.

Focuses on treating diseases and healing practices.
Types of Therapies:
- Pharmacological: Involves medications like antibiotics and antihypertensives for treatment.
- Non-Pharmacological: Incorporates lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, along with physical therapy.
Key Principles:
- Utilizes evidence-based practice to guide treatment choices, ensuring clinical evidence supports decisions.
- Emphasizes individualized treatment tailored to patient characteristics, including age and comorbidities.

A systematic process for identifying diseases based on symptoms and clinical findings.
Steps in Diagnosis:
- History Taking: Comprehensive gathering of patient history (medical, family, and social aspects).
- Physical Examination: Conducts a systematic assessment of the patient's health status.
- Diagnostic Testing: Employs laboratory tests, imaging, and other diagnostics for confirmation or exclusion of conditions.
- Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishes between conditions that present similar signs or symptoms.

Concentrates on disease prevention and health promotion.
Levels of Prevention:
- Primary Prevention: Strategies like vaccinations and health education aimed at preventing disease before it develops.
- Secondary Prevention: Involves early detection and intervention methods, such as screening tests (e.g., mammograms).
- Tertiary Prevention: Focuses on managing and mitigating the impact of established diseases, including rehabilitation efforts.
Includes public health initiatives aimed at improving community health through policy, education, and research.

Provides ongoing care and support for individuals with chronic conditions, like diabetes and hypertension.
Key Components:
- Patient Education: Involves teaching patients about their conditions and effective management strategies.
- Monitoring: Regular health assessments and follow-ups to check disease progression.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration among healthcare providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, dietitians) for comprehensive care.
- Self-Management: Empowers patients to take responsibility for their health through lifestyle modifications and adherence to treatment.

Encompasses moral principles guiding medical practice.
Core Principles:
- Autonomy: Recognizes patients' rights to make informed decisions regarding their care.
- Beneficence: Obligation to act in the patient's best interest.
- Non-maleficence: Commitment to avoid causing harm.
- Justice: Ensures fair distribution of healthcare resources and treatments.
Addresses ethical dilemmas arising from conflicts between principles, such as those encountered in end-of-life decisions and informed consent processes.
Upholds professional standards determined by medical associations to guide ethical practice.