1. Choose a Disease to research
2. Approach:
o Introduction
Define the disease (medical/science terminology)
Discuss the inception of the disease.
When was this particular disease discovered (historical background, if any is available)?
o Provide background information
What type of disease is this?
1. Is this a structural disease (organic disease)?
2. Is this a genetic disease?
3. Is this a developmental disease?
4. Is the disease acute or chronic?
5. DISCUSS…
o Discuss the Manifestation of the Disease
What are the relevant signs and symptoms?
What screenings/examinations are used to identify and diagnose?
What other complications and/or illnesses might a patient encounter as a result of this disease?
o What are the Cause(s) of the Disease?
Was the injury initiated externally or internally?
o How is the disease treated?
What is the Prognosis?
How is the disease treated?
What all is involved in patient care?
o Are certain disabilities associated with this disease?
o What is life expectancy?
What are the causes of death from this disease? Be specific (treated or untreated? Does it matter?).
1. What are the complications of treatment?
2. What are the complications of non-treatment?
3. Survival Rate
o Current Medical Advances & Technology
Are there any advances in medicine or medical technology that either increases survival rates, improve quality of life with the disease, or cure the disease?
Things to Discuss and Include
1. Data:
a. Research information regarding the incidence and prevalence of the disease.
b. Include demographic information
i. Race/Ethnicity
ii. Gender
iii. Age
c. Locale or environmental factors.
2. Use articles from scholarly sources (medical journals, etc.).
3. Has this been a significant impact on healthcare costs?
a. Direct and Indirect cost.
b. Government burden (Medicaid/Medicare)
c. Employer/Private insurance burden