Resumen

SUAREZ RIVERO, Birsy et al. Errors in the physical examination of patient. Rev Cub Med Mil [online]. 2011, vol.40, n.3-4, pp.211-217. ISSN 0138-6557.

Introduction: the physical examination is aimed to obtain valuable diagnostic information directed by the previous questioning, but also to impact the quality of physician-patient relationship. Objective: to determine the more frequent errors in examination of patient and if there is association of these with certainty of disease diagnosis. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted by means of observation of 75 examinations performed to patients by 36 physicians from the specialty of Internal Medicine, using a observation guide. Results: the more frequent errors were: not to take into account the patient's expectancies at examination, omission of elements, mess at examination, a poor technique in performing the maneuvers, suggestion of findings to patient and not to identify semiographic data. Any error was associated with the certainty of diagnosis. Conclusions: the errors detected demonstrate the needs of learning in the technical plane and as regards the style of physical examination centered in patient.

Palabras clave : physical examination; clinical method.