Purpose
This article explains how to create and manage problems in Medicus..
Creating a problem
From the patient record
To add a problem directly to a patient's record, go to Actions > Problem. This will then open the New Problem form, where you can enter the problem code and the status of the problem.
You can also add additional information, such as episode, significance and onset date. There is also the option to automatically set the problem to inactive on a specified date.
From a consultation
When recording the presenting reason within a consultation, if this is an existing problem then it will be automatically linked to the consultation. You will see the problem listed under Linked Problems.
If it is not an existing problem, you will be prompted to Create a problem.
From a note
When adding a note to the patient record, you can either link it to an existing problem or create a new problem. You can link it to any active or inactive problem.
From a document
When processing documents, you can link an existing problem or create a new problem. To do this, select the edit icon next to Linked Problems.
Managing a problem
Removing from a consultation
If a problem has been added to a consultation in error, you can remove it without deleting the problem from the patient's record. Within the consultation, locate the problem under Linked Problems and select the X button to unlink it from the consultation. The problem will be removed from the consultation but will remain on the patient's record. Select Complete Consultation or Finish Editing to save.
Editing a problem
To edit an existing problem, go to the Problems tab on the patient's care record, locate the problem you want to update and select it. This will open the View Problem tab. To edit the problem, select the edit icon in the top right hand corner of the Details.
You will then be able to edit any of the fields on the Edit Problem form.
Ending a problem
When a problem is no longer active, you can end it to keep the patient's record accurate. Go to the Problems tab on the patient's care record, locate the problem you want to end and select it. Send End Problem and enter an end date and reason, if required and Save changes.
The problem will be marked as ended and will no longer appear as an active problem on the patient's record, but will still be visible as an inactive problem.
Viewing problems
Viewing all problems on the patient record
To see all problems recorded against a patient, go to the patient's record > Problems. Active and inactive problems are listed here, giving you a complete view of the patient's problem history.