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    Reaching a diagnosis: a cornerstone in medical practice

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    Diagnosis is a process described as a “pre-existing set of categories agreed upon by the medical profession to designate a specific condition”1. Reaching a diagnosis is the essence of clinician’s work and is considered as a central process in medical practice. In the absence of a diagnosis underlying disease remains untreated and the result is at best symptomatic treatment.

    Diagnostic information has also a significant influence on health research and policy decisions.

    The diagnostic process

    The     diagnostic    process    is    a commonly defined endpoint for a definitive diagnosis usually via a differential and working diagnosis. Diagnostic testing has gained more weight in this process during the last century. But clinical history taking, and physical examination have been there since the beginning of medical practice and still form the foundations of the process. Due to the vast amount of knowledge generated over time compounded with technological advancement, the diagnostic process has become more complex and multilayered.

    To manage this rising complexity, clinical practice guidelines gained prominent role in informing decision making in the diagnostic process

    2. The importance of diagnosis

    Reaching correct, accurate and timely diagnosis has important implications for patient care. In acute settings, it can literally be a matter of life and death. It is the basis for ensuring the best possible positive heath outcome for the patient.

    it’s become more important than ever to reach a correct and timely diagnosis because themodern patient has so much more to lose in the case of inaccurate or delayed diagnosis. Thiscan have a devastating effect not only medically but also psychologically and economically on patients and their families. Inaccurate diagnosis can result in the patient being denied or delayed timely and effective treatment. There is also the very serious possibility of being prescribed inappropriate or unnecessary treatment with potentially harmful and toxic side effects.

    Having described the process and the importance of diagnosis, reaching one in SomalianReaching diagnosis: Somalian context context can be challenging. There are various reasons for that such as lack of patient medical history, traditional believes, unavailable or unreliable diagnostic testing, financial constraints, inadequate experienced clinicians, and fragile health system to name few.

    Therefore, over timeit’s become easier to treat symptoms rather than the underlying disease.Consequently, this has left a mentality based on symptom relief seeking behavior: patients look for immediate symptom relief rather than proper management of the disease.

    From perspective of cardiovascular diseases, this of course is unsustainable. Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are motivated and competent young clinicians coming through locally and experienced ones returning from abroad. There is huge investment, mostly private, being made in health care sector. This is contributing to the availability and quality of health care services. The patients are becoming more informed and demanding better patient care.

    Conclusion

    Diagnosis is the cornerstone of medical practice. The cost of misdiagnosis can be costly in modern times. Despite the challenges in Somalia, there is much to be hopeful. But to strengthen our capabilities in reaching correct and timely diagnosis, clinicians need to be provided continuous training in diagnostic process  including patient- centredness, clinical decision making and communication skills. Consultations among clinicians need to be encouraged more as it will add certainty in reaching correct diagnosis.

    And finally, more appropriate use ofcurrently available diagnostic facilities and technology is needed. References:as it will add certainty in reaching correct diagnosis. And finally, more appropriate use of

    1. Jutel A. Sociology of diagnosis: A preliminary review. Sociology of Health and

    Illness. 2009;31(2):278–299

    1. Balogh EP, Miller BT, Ball JR, Improving Diagnosis in Health Care.

    Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2015 Dec 29.

    2, The Diagnostic

    Process. Available from: https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/ NBK338593/

    Dr. Mohamed Guled Cardiologist (Finland)

    Guled Specialist Hospital, Mogadisho, Somalia

    Tays Heart Hospital, Tampere, Finland

     

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