Why the study?
Does clinical history taking improve diagnostic yield in patients with suspected syncope?
Does clinical history taking improve diagnostic yield in patients with suspected syncope?
A thorough clinical history remains the cornerstone of diagnosis for patients presenting with transient loss of consciousness, often precluding the need for extensive additional testing.
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Supports history-first evaluation in syncope; leaves open prospective validation of reduced testing.
In this paper, the role of history taking as a diagnostic tool in patients with transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) is addressed. From a literature review it can be demonstrated that, if properly performed, the history is a powerful diagnostic tool, which in the majority of cases proves to be the only 'test' necessary to establish a diagnosis other than physical examination and electrocardiogram in patients with TLOC. In order to substantiate this conclusion, we examine the different levels of history taking according to the skills and training of the physician involved, the diagnostic yield of each level, the methodology, and the influence of the venue and urgency of the case.
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Sutton et al. (2014) studied this question.
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