Recognizing red flags in general practice
InnovAiT, 03/24/2011
Schroeder K et al. - This article discusses the usefulness-and limitations-of red flags in clinical practice.
- A key challenge for GPs in today’s scenario is being able to sort patients who have self-limiting and benign medical conditions from those who need more urgent investigation or referral.
- This can be a difficult task, given the wide range of medical problems in general practice and the time constraints under which GPs often have to work.
- Searching for alarm symptoms, signs or diagnostic tests-or ‘red flags’-can help with ‘ruling in’ and ‘ruling out’ serious diagnoses, such as cancer, myocardial infarction or stroke.
