Utility of the History and Physical Exam in the Emergency Department

The study is trying to prove that the history and physical exam (H&P) in the emergency department is the most important tool in exam of patients. The investigator is attempting to correlate the time of the H&P of residents and attendings to the accuracy of diagnosis.

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Key information

Conditions

Abdominal Pain Asthenia Back Pain Dyspnea Headache Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Digestive Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory Weakness

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Henry Ford Macomb Hospital

Clinton Township, Michigan, 48038, United States

About this study

The purpose of the study is to examine the utility of the history and physical exam in the emergency room towards obtaining a diagnosis. The goal of this observational study is to correlate physician level of experience and time spent on history and physical exam, to the correct diagnosis.

The aim of this study is:

To draw a connection between time and accuracy of the history and physical exam.
To draw a connection between time and level of experience as a physician based on post-graduate level.
To assess the number of laboratory and radiographic studies and the post-graduate level.
To assess the relevance of the labs and radiographs ordered. (Relevance is defined as something that changes plan of care.)

Time is a critical component of the ED physician. Our study will analyse if modern medicine has created a more laboratory/image based need to ascertain a diagnosis or if history and physical examination alone can predict the ultimate diagnosis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Anyone over the age of 18 with a generalized complaints able to provide consent

Exclusion criteria

Anyone under 18 yrs and anyone with a very specific, system based complaint.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Henry Ford Health System

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2009
Primary completion: 2010
Study completion: 2010
First posted: Jul 1, 2010
Registry last updated: Jul 1, 2010

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed