Principles of Bedside Diagnosis: The Art of Asking the Right Questions - Shuvendu Sen

This book is an innovative, user-friendly handbook that offers a unique approach to patient care. Based on the authors’ morning lectures, the book deals with fourteen major and common symptoms patients routinely present with either in the emergency department or in an outpatient office. For each of the presenting symptoms, twenty questions are formulated, with each question representing a potential differential diagnosis. The questions are followed by a very brief outline of the potential differential.

Based on a patient’s age, gender, past medical history, family history, and relevant associations, twenty questions can effectively narrow down the vast myriads of differential diagnoses. In the current healthcare system, where high-value care is emphasized to streamline appropriate diagnosis, reduce expenses on redundant blood tests and imaging studies, and provide time-sensitive management, this novel questionnaire-based treatment approach is an ideal way to enhance patient care. All these are entrenched on the concept that the successful cure of a disease invariably starts with the right questions asked.

Co-written by faculty from the Departments of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Cardiology, Oncology, Psychiatry, and ably supported by residents and fellows, the book is a bedside asset for medical students, residents, and even practicing doctors, encompassing both the art and science of medicine.