Which patient(s) or disease(s) require FM?
Frankly, all patients and all diseases require and can benefit from FM. A good family doctor does not just treat a patient for their illnesses; they live the life of recovery with their patient in a friendly yet professional manner. Family doctors can provide their input for a vast variety of clinical encounters.
Here’s a case study of how FM helps:
A 34-year-old engineer comes into the clinic with minimal URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) symptoms. He has a good health record and no chronic illness but his last consultation was two years ago. This is basically the bread and butter of a doctor: A strong individual with no pre-existing health conditions and minimal symptoms. Most doctors can handle the case with a diagnosis, the prescription of medicine, and a sick leave note.
With FM however, the process is different. They will start by understanding more and enquiring, “You haven’t been here for the past two years; it doesn’t seem to be your habit to seek help for minor symptoms. Why is it different today?” Then with the young man replying, “If it weren’t for my baby, I would not have come.” So now the family doctor knows that the patient is worried about spreading the illness to his baby and is looking for a speedy recovery. This key information opens the door to a few more areas of concern than just the alleviation of URI symptoms:
1. Patient’s understanding of simple URI natural disease course, mode of transmission, treatment, etc.
2. Patient’s understanding of the normal development of immunity in a newborn. It is also a good reminder of the vaccination schedule for infants.
3. Proper household hygiene measures to prevent transmission of URI.
4. Warning symptoms in a newborn that will necessitate medical attention.
5. Possible mental stress and related issues when a family is welcoming its first newborn.
Knowing that the patient is an engineer, FM doctors can also tailor their explanation and discuss in more detail about the scientific issues, as he may have more interest in learning about it in this presentation. This is just a simple case of how FM can come into play to encourage a more holistic recovery for almost any type of illness. Putting the health and safety of you and your family at the forefront, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong is now offering consultations with their family medicine specialists at just $400 per visit, so there’s no excuse to delay your journey to recovery.