title: The Value of Physical Examination: A New Conceptual Framework.
abstract: The physical examination defines medical practice, yet its role is being questioned increasingly, with statistical comparisons of diagnostic accuracy often the sole metric used against newer technologies. We set out to highlight seven ways in which the physical examination has value beyond diagnostic accuracy to reaffirm its place in the core skills of a physician and guide future research, teaching, and curriculum design. We show that this more comprehensive approach to the physical examination of its "utility" beyond that of reaching a diagnosis can be beneficial to both doctor and patient.
authors.affiliation: From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, and Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland.
authors.forename: Junaid
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zaman
authors.affiliation: From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, and Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland.
authors.forename: Abraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verghese
authors.affiliation: From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, and Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Elder
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations