Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning when advanced practitioners assess and treat skin conditions
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Date
2021-12-10Author
McPhillips, Hazel
Wood, Alison
Harper-McDonald, Bruce
Metadata
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McPhillips, H., Wood, A. and Harper-McDonald, B. (2021) 'Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning when advanced practitioners assess and treat skin conditions', British Journal of Nursing, 30(22), pp. 1278-1286.
Abstract
Advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) roles require a broad range of knowledge
of both medical and surgical medicine and the ability to work autonomously
in a variety of settings. Despite around half of the UK adult population
presenting with a skin condition requiring attention, this is something many
ACPs feel unprepared to consult on. However, due to the complexity and
large number of potential diagnoses, it is imperative that ACPs develop their
confidence and knowledge to diagnosis, request investigations and initiate
treatment for a patient with a skin complaint. In the first part of this clinical
review the authors presented the key elements of history taking, consultation
and assessment of the skin. This second clinical review discusses the main
differential diagnoses, mimickers, common investigations and treatments.
This article is designed to support novice ACPs from acute hospital settings
to primary care to develop a foundation of understanding in the main
diagnosis and treatment options that should be considered following a clinical
assessment of patients’ skin out with the dermatology setting.