What does dm mean in medical terms
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Understanding "DM" in Medical Terms
Defensive Medicine (DM) in Healthcare
Defensive Medicine Definition and Origins
Defensive Medicine (DM) refers to medical practices primarily aimed at avoiding litigation rather than benefiting the patient. This concept originated in the USA in the early 1970s and has since spread to other continents, including Europe . The term was first publicly mentioned by the General Counsel of the American Medical Association in 1974, who provocatively suggested that avoiding all medical actions was the only way to prevent malpractice lawsuits.
Impact on Healthcare Practices and Costs
Defensive Medicine involves both the overuse and avoidance of certain medical treatments. Physicians may order unnecessary tests or procedures to protect themselves from potential lawsuits, which can lead to increased healthcare costs and potentially expose patients to avoidable adverse events . This practice is driven by the growing number of litigations in many countries, which has heightened interest in DM as a strategy to deter lawsuits for medical negligence and malpractice .
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as a Metabolic Disorder
Definition and Characteristics
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, or a combination of both . This condition can lead to long-term systemic dysfunction and is associated with significant health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, and retinopathy .
Types and Diagnosis
There are several types of Diabetes Mellitus, including Type 1 (immune-mediated), Type 2 (insulin resistance), and gestational diabetes. Diagnosis typically involves measuring fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or conducting an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The prevalence of DM is increasing globally, with projections indicating a rise from 366 million cases in 2011 to around 552 million by 2030.
Disease Management (DM) in Chronic Conditions
Definition and Implementation
Disease Management (DM) is a systematic approach to healthcare that aims to improve patient outcomes and control costs by providing integrated services based on scientific evidence . This approach targets patients with specific chronic diseases and involves coordinated healthcare interventions and communications.
Role of Technology and Community Pharmacy
The implementation of Disease Management programs often involves the use of Information and Telecommunication Technology (ICT) to support clinical guidelines and patient self-care efforts. Community pharmacists play a crucial role in DM by providing accessible care and managing drug therapies, which are essential components of many DM programs.
Conclusion
In medical terms, "DM" can refer to Defensive Medicine, Diabetes Mellitus, or Disease Management, each with distinct definitions and implications. Defensive Medicine focuses on litigation avoidance, Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, and Disease Management aims to optimize healthcare outcomes for chronic conditions. Understanding these different contexts is crucial for comprehending the diverse applications of "DM" in healthcare.
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