John F. Burnum

The Misinformation Era: The Fall of the Medical Record

Medical record information has become less reliable than ever before despite the electronic information revolution in medical care and the authority medical records have been accorded in our society. Long flawed by errors introduced by medical personnel, patients, and machines, medical records have had a further decline in credibility as a result of the loss of confidentiality and the imposition of well-meaning but unrealistic cost-control regulations on medical practice. Medical records are being distorted and fashioned to keep clinically important but sensitive personal information about patients from public view. To comply with standards of care and a reimbursement system blind to biologic diversity, medical records are being forced to address only the technical side of care. Until these deficiencies are corrected, our increasing dependence on medical records should be balanced by increasing skepticism about the value of the information they contain.

Preventability of Adverse Drug Reactions

Excerpt Some authors have assumed, but without supporting data, that the vast majority of adverse drug reactions occur needlessly and are preventable (1-5). Also, most surveys of adverse drug react...

Outlook for Treating Patients with Self-Destructive Habits

Abstract Among 1000 patients, 219 had seriously harmed themselves through the abuse of tobacco, alcohol, food, or drugs. Of these, 25% complied with treatment advice and corrected the abuse. Cooper...

TREATMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC LEAD POISONING WITH DISODIUM CALCIUM VERSENATE

Excerpt Until recently the treatment of lead intoxication has been generally unsatisfactory. The rapid in vivo breakdown of citrate precludes its usefulness as a lead complexing agent.1BAL is also ...

Dialect Is Diagnostic

Folk medical language, as spoken in western Alabama, contains medical dialect terms that have an ancient lineage, with structure and meaning very similar to those of their earliest roots. The dialect has precise medical meanings and is used with astonishing accuracy by patients. Terms and phrases are often diagnostic as well as colorfully descriptive. An appreciation of medical dialect makes practice more fun, history taking and diagnosis easier, and lessens misunderstandings with patients. It sharpens the physicians senses to every level of what patients feel and say, verbal and otherwise. An appreciation of dialect heightens respect for patients and gives the physician a sense of continuity with cultures and ages past. Understanding and respect for medical dialect can be a powerful aid to patient care.

The Scientific Value of Personal Care

Excerpt To assess the quality of medical care, to promote better care, and to save money, government agencies are developing uniform standards of medical practice that will increasingly be used to ...