What are the demographic (and biomedical) characteristics of patients?
There are 7 ways of describing these characteristics of a patient.
Age
This is the most important characteristic by far. Why? It has a huge effect on the range of diagnoses (‘differential diagnosis’) that may cause a symptom (or syndrome, i.e. group of symptoms).
Gender
Some diseases are more common in men (or women). Some only occur in men (prostate cancer) or women (uterine cancer).
Sexuality
Some diseases are more common in homosexual people (e.g. HIV/AIDS).
Ethnicity
Some diseases are more common in certain ethnic groups (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and all of the metabolic syndrome in Black/Asian people; and COPD in white people).
Culture/religion
This is largely irrelevant. Nonetheless it is important to respect all cultures/religions. Be mindful that in some cultures/religions, undressing (especially a woman or child) in front of a stranger (you) is embarrassing. A chaperone is required when undressing someone of the opposite sex or a child
Note 1. Some people don’t like being naked, whatever the culture/religion
Note 2. But (the big BUT) you should not let these issues stop you from doing a full examination of the appropriate part of the patient, and that part should be fully undressed.
Social background (e.g. educational level, language and social deprivation)
Almost all diseases – acute and chronic – are more common in people from lower socio-economic groups. Patients’ educational level and language skills may also affect outcome, so should be noted and allowances made.
Size and muscle mass
Obesity is a primary risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and all of the metabolic syndrome. A higher muscle mass will increase blood creatinine levels.
Summary
We have described what are the demographic (and biomedical) characteristics of patients. We hope it has been helpful.
Other resource
Different types of patients – different approaches to take (longer article)
