Case Formats and Signatures

[Guest guest]

I have been on this list for some time and have gotten wonderful things out of

it. I would like to maybe streamline the way we post though. I think if we could

stick to a format with key points then maybe writers would be able to write more

clearly and readers would be able to more clearly and appropriately help guild

others. The other thing I would like to bring up is signatures… We are all

professionals here and I understand that many of us have some insecurities about

discussing things in a large forum(especially when you are new to a field); but

I think it is very important to understand what kind of background a person has

to really understand how to help them or even understand what they are asking.

If you want to use an alias or just leave out your name I have no problem with

that but I do think that credentials and or years of experience in veterinary

rehabilitation really should be put down regardless of you giving or receiving

advise.

So here is my suggested format for patient cases:

1. Species:

2. Breed:

3. Age:

4. Sex:

5. Intact/ altered:

6. Pertinent history and or diagnosis:

7. Pertinent physical exam findings:

8. Pertinent Surgery(s):

9. Medications:

10. Physical Agents in use:

11. Exercise therapies:

12. Other therapy:

13. Goals:

14. Additional info:

15. My question for the group: (this one many times gets looked over in order to

get a " better dx " this in turn never really helps the asker of the original

question…Hence the reason I think it should have its own line.)

I think this should be kept simple. I find that simple things tend to " fit "

better into the various problems and patients that we all see. I'm in no way

committed to this format, I just wrote down the first things that came to mind

and as a matter of fact I would love lots of input onto what everyone feels is

important to these discussions. Of course this format would only pertain to

patient cases, all equipment and political stuff ext can go on being crazy for

all care…ha-ha.

I guess the next thing would be trying to get everyone to use it. Well that's

probably not going to happen but I for one rarely answer questions without a

signature (I think many others are the same). I also don't answer questions that

have a sketchy history or unclear questions (too much foot work, I just don't

have time for that). So if you use a format I'm sure more people will chime in.

Maybe we could also send out some type of welcome message to new members with

guidelines of summiting cases. And/or maybe we can post formats in our home page

description. Moderators? Members? What do you think?

I don't think we have to be crazy formal and academic but this may help save a

lot of time and help more patients.

Anyway I want to thank you all for daily inspiration and the continued flow of

ideas in this fascinating and rewarding field of medicine!

Robby

J Porter III VT, LMT, CCRP

Director of Treatment

Animal Rehabilitation Center

Mandeville LA

70448